On Kawara Paintings & Artwork for Sale | On Kawara Art Value Price Guide

Jul. 17, 2026
ON KAWARA (1932-2014). Five postcards to Kasper König, October 1968, from I
Est: $18,000 - $25,000
ON KAWARA (1932-2014). Five postcards to Kasper König, October 1968, from I Got Up. stamped ink on postcardeach: 3 ½ x 6 ¾ in. (8.9 x 17.1 cm.).
Christie's
Jun. 10, 2026
On Kawara: "SEPT.19,1988"
Est: €150,000 - €200,000
KAWARA , ON 1932 Kariya/Japan–2014 New York Title: "SEPT.19,1988". Date: 1988. Technique: Liquitex on canvas, with enclosed newspaper "The New York Times" from Monday, the 19th September 1988, in the original cardboard box. Measurement: 21 x 25.5 cm. Notation: Titled and dated centre: SEPT. 19, 1988. Signed verso centre: On Kawara. . Provenance: - Micheline Swajcer, Antwerp - Private collection Belgium - Schönewald Fine Arts, Xanten (acquired at TEFAF, Maastricht, in 2003) - The „Date Paintings“ of the internationally celebrated concept artist are rarely offered on the German auction market - Consequential and simultaneously poetic concentration of time and existence - One of the most favourite pieces of the collector Jochen Neynaber “One of Jochen Neynaber’s Favorite Works” The key dates of On Kawara’s life can be summarized by his birth year, 1932, and his death year, 2014. Yet it is far more in keeping with his artistic self-conception to define his lifespan as 29,771 days. Born in Japan, he participated in his homeland’s postwar artistic scene before relocating to Mexico City in 1959, where he began studying art and undertook extensive travels. In New York, where he lived from the 1960s onward, he made a significant contribution to the emerging field of conceptual art. On January 4, 1966, he began the legendary “Date Paintings” of the Today series, an ongoing project realized in changing locations around the world until 2013. Although he documented his activities with meticulous, almost bookkeeping precision—for example in the series I Read, I Went, and I Met (from 1968 onward)—On Kawara himself remained elusive and avoided public appearances. His gallerist, David Zwirner, confirmed that the artist neither attended exhibition openings nor allowed himself to be “interviewed or photographed”; moreover, Kawara forbade Zwirner from engaging in any form of marketing for his art. Information concerning his own existence was limited to time and place. Beginning in 1970, he responded to inquiries from representatives of the art world with the laconic telegram message: “I Am Still Alive. ”In the “Date Paintings,” On Kawara painted the date of the day on which each work was created in white acrylic onto a monochrome canvas, usually rendered in dark tones. The format of the date follows the conventions of the country in which the artist was located at the time of production. For On Kawara, both “date” and “place” function as constant structural categories for the systematic recording of temporal and spatial changes—changes that shaped not only his travel-intensive lifestyle but existence itself. Kawara consistently translated the variable of passing time onto horizontal canvases limited to eight possible sizes, varying from 20.5 × 25.5 cm to 155 × 226 cm while maintaining a constant depth of 5 cm. Over a period of eight to nine hours, he patiently applied letters and numbers to the canvas by hand, though in anonymous block lettering, thereby emphasizing the passage of time not only conceptually but also through craftsmanship. Each “Date Painting” is housed in a custom-made, precisely fitted box which—like the present example—also contains a newspaper article published on the very day of the work’s creation. A final rule governing the work stipulated that any painting not completed on the day whose date it depicted had to be destroyed. The present work bears the date September 19, 1988. The article of the same date placed inside the lid of the accompanying box comes from The New York Times and bears the headline “A Coup in Haiti Puts a General in Presidency.” The text addresses the problematic circumstances surrounding the presidency of Lt. Gen. Prosper Avril following a military coup against his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Henri Namphy, in the country’s second governmental overthrow of that year. The accompanying photograph shows a group of Haitians watching as a man burns in the street. With the same neutrality with which On Kawara records the date, he incorporates this excerpt and leaves it entirely uncommented, despite its obvious horror. Thus, 19 Sept. 1988 not only isolates a singular moment from the continuum of time through minimal means, but also reveals the discrepancy between the objectively quantifiable duration of a day and the almost limitless abundance of events of varying significance that may occur within that unit of time. This “Date Painting” by On Kawara was among Jochen Neynaber’s favorite works. It held great emotional significance for him because it was associated with “his” museum, the Museum für Moderne Kunst in his hometown of Frankfurt, an institution to which he had always been deeply committed. The MMK possesses one of the world’s most significant collections of works by On Kawara, making such a work indispensable to Neynaber’s private collection. This work is a rarity: on the German auction market, Date Paintings by the internationally sought-after conceptual artist were sold for the first time in our The Kasper König Collection auction (October 1–2, 2024) (cf. Artprice). Estimated shipping costs for this lot: The lot is unsuitable for parcel shipping. Transport only by shipping company after consultation following the auction. additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: max. 41.65 Euro over a total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: 1.8 o/oo USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #On Kawara #Conceptual Art #Asia #Post-War Art #Painting #1980s #Post War. In accordance with §26 UrhG (German Copyright Act), VAN HAM is obliged to pay a statutory resale royalty on the sale proceeds of all original works of fine art and photography whose authors have not been deceased for 70 years prior to the end of the calendar year of the sale. The buyer shall contribute 1.5% of the hammer price to this fee.
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
May. 21, 2026
ON KAWARA (1932-2014). MAY 14, 1993, from Today, 1966–2013. acrylic on canv
Est: $250,000 - $350,000
ON KAWARA (1932-2014). MAY 14, 1993, from Today, 1966–2013. acrylic on canvas with newspaper clipping, in artist's box8 1/8 x 10 in. (20.5 x 25.4 cm.).
Christie's
May. 14, 2026
On Kawara_from 'I Got Up'
Est: ¥700,000 - ¥1,000,000
On Kawara_from 'I Got Up', stamp on postcard, executed in 1978, stamped with the artist's name and the date of execution, From a series of postcards sent over ten years from the late 1960s, recording the artist's waking time.**The total bidding limit is 3,000,000 JPY. If you wish to increase your bidding limit above 3,000,000 JPY, please contact us by 6 PM two days before the auction.
Mallet Auction
May. 14, 2026
On Kawara_Thanatophanies
Est: ¥200,000 - ¥300,000
On Kawara_Thanatophanies, the complete set of thirty offset prints, 1955-56, some signed and dated in the plate, numbered 38/180 on the justification, published by PARCO CO., LTD., Tokyo, contained in an original case**The total bidding limit is 3,000,000 JPY. If you wish to increase your bidding limit above 3,000,000 JPY, please contact us by 6 PM two days before the auction.
Mallet Auction
May. 12, 2026
On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 21 April 1984 Typed manuscript on telegram Signed, titled and stamped at the Antwerp post of..
Est: €10,000 - €15,000
On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 21 April 1984 Typed manuscript on telegram Signed, titled and stamped at the Antwerp post office:"'21. IV.1984" Annotated on the title page: "15" 18,5 x 21 cm Provenance: European private collection On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 21 avril 1984 Papier dactylographié sur télégramme Signé, titré et cacheté à la poste d'Anvers:"'21. IV.1984" Annoté sur la page de garde: "15" 18,5 x 21 cm Provenance: Collection particulière européenne
Piasa
May. 12, 2026
On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 14 April 1984 Typed manuscript on telegram Signed, titled and stamped at the Antwerp post of..
Est: €10,000 - €15,000
On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 14 April 1984 Typed manuscript on telegram Signed, titled and stamped at the Antwerp post office "14.IV.1984" Annotated on the title page: "8" 19,5 x 21 cm Provenance: European private collection On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 14 avril 1984 Papier dactylographié sur télégramme Signé, titré et cacheté à la poste d'Anvers "14.IV.1984" Annoté sur la page de garde: "8" 19,5 x 21 cm Provenance: Collection particulière européenne
Piasa
May. 12, 2026
On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 4 April 1984 Typed manuscript on telegram Signed, titled and stamped at the Antwerp post off..
Est: €10,000 - €15,000
On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 4 April 1984 Typed manuscript on telegram Signed, titled and stamped at the Antwerp post office "4.IV.1984" Annotated on the title page: "10" 25 x 21 cm Provenance: European private collection On Kawara (1932-2014) I am still alive, 4 avril 1984 Papier dactylographié sur télégramme Signé, titré et cacheté à la poste d'Anvers "4.IV.1984" Annoté sur la page de garde: "10" 25 x 21 cm Provenance: Collection particulière européenne
Piasa
May. 12, 2026
On Kawara (1932-2014) One Million Years ; Past - For all those who have lived and died ; Future - For the last one, 1999
Est: €2,000 - €3,000
On Kawara (1932-2014) One Million Years ; Past - For all those who have lived and died ; Future - For the last one, 1999 Two volumes on ivory paper, black leather case, silver and gold embossing, 2000 pages (each) Signed and titled on the title page (each) Numbered on the back cover: "495"(each) Edition of 570 including 10 A.P. 15 x 4 x 11 cm (each) Provenance: European private collection On Kawara (1932-2014) One Million Years ; Past - For all those who have lived and died ; Future - For the last one, 1999 Deux volumes sur papier ivoire, coffret en cuir noir, estampage argent et or, 2000 pages (chaque) Signé et titré sur la page de garde (chaque) Numéroté sur la quatrième de couverture : "495"(chaque) Edition de 570 exemplaires dont 10 E.A. 15 x 4 x 11 cm (chaque) Provenance: Collection particulière européenne
Piasa
Apr. 15, 2026
On Kawara (1933-2014). MAY 10, 1989.
Est: €250,000 - €350,000
On Kawara (1933-2014). MAY 10, 1989.
Christie's
Mar. 29, 2026
"FRIDAY"JULY 14, 2000 ("TODAY" SERIES NO.26)
Est: $2,500,000 - $5,000,000
signed on the reverse "On Kawara"
New Art Est-Ouest Auctions
Mar. 18, 2026
On Kawara (1933-2014) I got up at 7:34 a.m., 1970
Est: €1,000 - €1,500
On Kawara (1933-2014) I got up at 7:34 a.m., 1970 Postcard 10 x 15 cm Provenance: Galerie Roger Pailhas, Marseille Exhibition: Marseille, MAC, ‘L'art d'une vie, hommage à Roger Pailhas' (The Art of a Lifetime, Tribute to Roger Pailhas), December 1, 2006 - April 8, 2007 On Kawara (1933-2014) I got up at 7.34 A.M., 1970 Carte postale 10 x 15 cm Provenance : Galerie Roger Pailhas, Marseille Exposition : Marseille, MAC, 'L'art d'une vie, hommage à Roger Pailhas', 1er décembre 2006 - 8 avril 2007
Piasa
Mar. 07, 2026
ON KAWARA (1933-2014). Dec. 21, 1995. Liquitex on canvas, with handmade car
Est: £200,000 - £400,000
ON KAWARA (1933-2014). Dec. 21, 1995. Liquitex on canvas, with handmade cardboard box with newspaper clipping8 1/8 x 10 1/8in. (20.5 x 25.5cm.).
Christie's
Mar. 05, 2026
Seventy-two postcards, January 1969–January 1977, from I Got Up, 1968–79
Est: £100,000 - £150,000
On Kawara 1932 - 2014 Seventy-two postcards, January 1969 - January 1977, from I Got Up, 1968-79 each: stamped with the artist's name, titled and dated (on the verso) ink on mailed postcard, in seventy-two parts smallest: 9 by 14.1 cm. 3½ by 5½ in. largest: 10.5 by 14.9 cm. 4⅛ by 5⅞ in. Executed between January 1969 and January 1977. This work is accompanied by documentation for all exhibitions in which the postcards appeared.
Sotheby's
Mar. 05, 2026
20 JUN. 1984
Est: £250,000 - £350,000
On Kawara 1932 - 2014 20 JUN. 1984 from "Today," 1966-2013 titled (centre); signed (on the reverse) liquitex on canvas with newspaper clipping and artist's cardboard box 20.6 by 25.4 cm. 8⅛ by 10 in. Executed in 1984.
Sotheby's
Dec. 05, 2025
ON KAWARA. THREE PUBLICATIONS
Est: €150 - €250
(1) On Kawara: Production de L' Annee 1973 / Produktie van het Jaar 1973. Brussels, Palais des Beaux Arts /Paleis voor Schone Kunsten Brussel, 1975. Softcover, 27 x 21 cm, unpag. ills b/w. Edited by Kasper König, Johannes Gachnangand Yves Gevaert. Text in English, French, Dutch and German. Browning to spine, else very good. Rare. (2) Mot pour mot / word for word. The daily images of power. On Kawara from day to day. Paris, Yvon Lambert, 1979. Edited by René Denizot. Softcover, 21 x 15 cm, 128 pp. Text in English and French, b/w ills. First issue of the journal published by the Paris based gallerist Yvon Lambert, focusing on the work process of the Japanese conceptual artist. Colour fading to spine, name of former owner on first page, fine copy. (3) On Kawara, Continuity / Discontinuity 1963 - 1979. Stockholm, Moderna Museet, 1980. Softcover, 27.5 x 21 cm, ca. 400 pp. Artists' book published in conjunction with a traveling survey shown at Moderna Museet Stockholm, Museum Folkwang Essen, Van Abbemuseum Eindhoven and The National Museum of Art in Osaka. Texts in English and Swedish by Olle Granath, Peter Nilson and On Kawara. Light creasing on spine, generally very good. (total 3)
Zwiggelaar Auctions
Dec. 04, 2025
ON KAWARA (1932-2014) Thirty-one postcards to R. Mazarguil Mars-Avril 1974 Série I Got Up (1968-1979)
Est: €70,000 - €100,000
ON KAWARA (1932-2014) Thirty-one postcards to R. Mazarguil Mars-Avril 1974 Série I Got Up (1968-1979) Au revers de chaque carte postale, l'artiste a tamponné la date, son nom, l'adresse à laquelle il séjournait, le nom et l'adresse du destinataire, ainsi que la phrase « I GOT UP AT », suivie de l'heure à laquelle il s'était levé ce jour-là. Les cartes postales illustrées montrent des vues de Columbia, Caroline du Sud ; New York ; Orlando, Floride ; Philadelphie ; Richmond, Virginie ; Roscoe, New York ; et Washington. On one side of each postcard, the artist stamped the date, his name, the address at which he was staying, the recipient's name and address, and the phrase 'I GOT UP AT,' followed by the time at which the artist arose from bed that day. The postcards include views of Columbia, South Carolina ; New York ; Orlando, Florida ; Philadelphia ; Richmond, Virginia ; Roscoe, New York ; and Washington. Chaque: 9 x 14 cm. Each: 3 9/16 x 5 1/2 in.
Bonhams
Nov. 27, 2025
On Kawara (1932-2014) NOV. 27, 1984
Est: $6,000,000 - $9,000,000
On Kawara (1932-2014) NOV. 27, 1984 'Tuesday.' From Today, 1966–2013 1984 signed on the reverse acrylic on canvas and handmade cardboard box with newspaper clipping 66 x 91.5 cm (26 x 36 in).
Bonhams
Nov. 22, 2025
On Kawara. I am still alive.
Est: €280 - €400
On Kawara. I am still alive. Berlin, Edition René Block 1978. Reproduktionen von Telegrammen. Originalleinenband im Schuber. Eins von 450 nummerierten Exemplaren der Serie A (Gesamtauflage 800). - »Die Idee zu diesem Buch entstand 1976 in Berlin. Die von On Kawawra bis zum 31. Dezember 1977 verschickten »I AM STILL ALIVE Telegramme« wurden so vollzählig wie möglich zusammengetragen, nach Ankunftszeiten geordnet und in Originalgröße reproduziert.« (Vorwort). - Dazu vier weitere Publikationen. 1992 und 2004. [Keywords: Artist’s book since 1960 ]
Christian Hesse Auktionen
Oct. 09, 2025
ON KAWARA (1932-2014)
Est: €2,500 - €3,500
Description EN 'One Million Years' (1999). Antwerp/ Paris, Micheline Szwajcer/ Michèle Didier, 1999. Two volumes. 4024 pp. One of 500 numbered copies, this one being no. 505. Slipcase. Absolute mint condition. Description FR 'One Million Years' (1999). Antwerp/ Paris, Micheline Szwajcer/ Michèle Didier, 1999. Two volumes. 4024 pp. One of the 500 numbered copies, this one being nr. 505. Slipcase. Absolute mint condition. Beschrijving NL 'One Million Years' (1999). Antwerp/ Paris, Micheline Szwajcer/ Michèle Didier, 1999. Two volumes. 4024 pp. One of the 500 numbered copies, this one being nr. 505. Slipcase. Absolute mint condition.
Bernaerts Auctioneers
Jun. 25, 2025
NOV. 11. 1981
Est: £200,000 - £300,000
On Kawara 1932 - 2014 NOV. 11. 1981 titled (centre); signed (on the reverse) acrylic on canvas with newspaper clipping and artist's cardboard box 20.5 by 25.5 cm. 8 by 10 in. Executed in 1981.
Sotheby's
Jun. 25, 2025
On Kawara 1932–2014
Est: CHF250,000 - CHF350,000
On Kawara 1932–2014 Dec.13,1990, 1990 Liquitex auf Leinwand, mit beiliegendem Zeitungsausschnitt von Donnerstag dem 13. Dezember 1990, in Originalkarton rückseitig signiert On Kawara 25,5 x 33 cm
Artcurial Beurret Bailly Widmer
May. 16, 2025
8 JAN. 1973
Est: $300,000 - $400,000
On Kawara 1932 - 2014 8 JAN. 1973 signed (on the reverse) Liquitex on canvas with newspaper clippings in artist's cardboard box 10 by 13 in. 25.3 by 33 cm Executed on 8 January 1973.
Sotheby's
May. 15, 2025
AUG. 8, 1975
Est: $300,000 - $400,000
Selections from The Collection of Barbara Gladstone On Kawara 1932 - 2014 AUG. 8, 1975 signed (on the reverse) Liquitex on canvas with newspaper clipping and artist's cardboard box 10 by 13 in. 25.4 by 33 cm. Executed on 8 August 1975.
Sotheby's
Mar. 06, 2025
ON KAWARA (1932-2014). Dec. 24, 2006. liquitex on canvas and handmade cardb
Est: £250,000 - £350,000
ON KAWARA (1932-2014). Dec. 24, 2006. liquitex on canvas and handmade cardboard box with newspaper clipping8 1/8 x 10 ½in. (20.5 x 26.7cm.).
Christie's
Mar. 06, 2025
from 'I Got Up'
Est: ¥700,000 - ¥1,000,000
stamp on postcard, stamped with the artist's name and the date of execution, framed, sold with a certificate by Larkin Erdmann Gallery
Mallet Auction
Jan. 28, 2025
On Kawara (1932-2014), "One Million Years (Past and Future)," 2000
Est: $600 - $800
On Kawara (1932-2014) "One Million Years (Past and Future)," 2000 Ten compact discs in wood box Edition: 19/250 Burn marked titled, number, date, and publishing information: David Zwirner / New York
John Moran Auctioneers
Oct. 18, 2024
Oct.23,1992, from "Today" series No. 40
Est: €250,000 - €350,000
On Kawara 1932 - 2014 Oct.23,1992, from "Today" series No. 40 signed (on the reverse) liquitex on canvas with newspaper clipping in artist's cardboard box canvas: 25,5 x 33,2 x 4,5 cm; 10 x 13 ⅛ x 1 ¾ in. box : 27,2 x 34,3 x 5,1 cm; 10 ¾ x 13 ½ x 2 in. Executed in 1992 in New York City. __________________________________________________________________________ On Kawara 1932 - 2014 Oct.23,1992, from "Today" series No. 40 signé (au dos) liquitex sur toile avec coupure de presse dans la boîte en carton de l'artiste toile : 25,5 x 33,2 x 4,5 cm; 10 x 13 ⅛ x 1 ¾ in. boîte : 27,2 x 34,3 x 5,1 cm; 10 ¾ x 13 ½ x 2 in. Exécuté en 1992 à New York.
Sotheby's
Oct. 15, 2024
On Kawara (1932-2014), "One Million Years (Past and Future)," 2000
Est: $800 - $1,200
On Kawara (1932-2014) "One Million Years (Past and Future)," 2000 Ten compact discs in wood box Edition: 19/250 Burn marked titled, number, date, and publishing information: David Zwirner / New York
John Moran Auctioneers
Oct. 10, 2024
Thanatophanies
Est: ¥250,000 - ¥350,000
the complete set of thirty offset prints, numbered 7/180 on the justification, published by PARCO CO., LTD., Tokyo, contained in an original case
Mallet Auction
Oct. 02, 2024
On Kawara: Thanatophanies
Est: €1,800 - €2,400
KAWARA, ON 1932 Kariya/Japan - 2014 New York Title: Thanatophanies. Subtitle: Portfolio with 30 prints and title page. Date: 1995. Technique: Each: offset on strong vellum. Depiction Size: 25 x 19cm. Sheet Size: 40 x 29,5cm (portfolio: 45 x 34 x 3cm. Publisher: On Kawara und Parco Co., LTD. From the edition of 180 copies. Provenance: - Kasper König Collection, Berlin (directly from the artist) - The Greek title Thanatophanies translates as Apparitions of Death - This portfolio of faces recalls the horrors of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War - Mutilated and deformed heads reflect the atrocities of the time Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Germany: 36,97 Euro plus 7,03 Euro VAT EU: 58,82 Euro plus 11,18 Euro VAT Worldwide: 100,84 Euro plus 19,16 Euro VAT additional shipping insurance Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Prints 1990s Portrait Works on paper Offset Death
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Oct. 02, 2024
On Kawara: I met
Est: €7,000 - €9,000
KAWARA, ON 1932 KARIYA/JAPAN - 2014 NEW YORK Title: I met. Subtitle: 1968 to 1979. Date: 2004. Technique: 12 book volumes in black card. Measurement: Card: 23 x 55 x 17cm. Notation: Signed and numbered (on the last page of the last volume). Publisher: On Kawara und Editions Micheline Szwajcer & Michèle Didier. Number: 7/10 A.P. For each day from 1968 to 1979, the 12 volumes list every person On Kawara met on that day. Outside the edition of 90 copies. Provenance: - Kasper König Collection, Berlin (directly from the artist) - The 'I met' series was created because Kawara had difficulty memorising Western names - He asked the people he met to write down their names or give him a business card - Finally, he recorded the names in lists and notebooks Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Arrangement after the auction. Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Multiples 2000s Concept Multiple Book Writing
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Oct. 02, 2024
On Kawara: I read
Est: €4,000 - €6,000
KAWARA, ON 1932 KARIYA/JAPAN - 2014 NEW YORK Title: I read. Subtitle: 1966 to 1995. Date: 2017. Technique: 6 book volumes in wooden box. Measurement: Wooden box: 38 x 32 x 40,5cm. Publisher: The Estate of On Kawara und mfc-michèle didier (publisher). The 6 volumes contain photographs of all the newspaper articles that On Kawara read between 1966 and 1995. Outside the edition of 50 numbered copies and 10 H.C. Provenance: - Kasper König Collection, Berlin (directly from the artist) - König discovered Kawara in New York in 1966 - In 1974, König arranged Kawara's first major solo exhibition at the Kunsthalle Bern: 'On Kawara 1973 - Production of a Year' Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Germany: 43,70 Euro plus 8,30 Euro VAT EU: 58,82 Euro plus 11,18 Euro VAT Worldwide: 117,65 Euro plus 22,35 Euro VAT additional shipping insurance Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Multiples 2010s Concept Multiple Book Writing
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Oct. 02, 2024
On Kawara: I Got up
Est: €15,000 - €20,000
KAWARA, ON 1932 Kariya/Japan - 2014 New York Title: I Got up. Subtitle: Mixed lot of 8 postcards. Date: 1968. Each: Stamped and franked postcard from Argentina. Ca. 9.5 x 14cm. Stamped with the artist's name and address in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Gloria Hotel), the title, date and time of execution and the recipient Kasper König, New York. The cards were executed in the period from 14th - 22nd November 1968. Provenance: - Kasper König Collection, Berlin (directly from the artist) Exhibitions: - Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden, 2014 - Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York 2015 - Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden 2017/2018 - Kunstsaele Berlin, 2018 - Centre for Art and Media, Karlsruhe 2018/19 - Ichihara Lakeside Museum, 2021 - For the postcard series to Kasper König, Kawara sent two postcards every day - In addition to the date, the sender and the recipient, the time at which Kawara got up that day is also recorded on each postcard - The routine of the action contrasts with the ever-changing time stamps Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Germany: 52,94 Euro plus 10,06 Euro VAT EU: 79,83 Euro plus 15,17 Euro VAT Worldwide: 136,66 Euro plus 26,34 Euro VAT additional shipping insurance Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Post War 1960s Cityscape Works on paper Mixed media Architecture
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Oct. 01, 2024
On Kawara: 37946
Est: €200,000 - €300,000
KAWARA, ON 1932 Kariya/Japan - 2014 New York Title: "21 NOV. 2003". Date: 2003. Technique: Acrylic on canvas, with enclosed newspaper clipping from Friday 21th November, 2003, in original cardboard box. Measurement: 20,5 x 26,5cm. Notation: Titled and dated in the centre: 21 NOV. 2003. Signed verso: On Kawara. The 'Date Painting' is a birthday present from On Kawara to Kasper König on his 60th birthday. Provenance: - Kasper König Collection, Berlin (directly from artist) Exhibitions: - Galerie Thomas Schulte, Berlin 2023 Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Arrangement after the auction. Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Post War 2000s Time Painting Acrylic Word
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Oct. 01, 2024
On Kawara: I Got up
Est: €40,000 - €60,000
KAWARA, ON 1932 Kariya/Japan - 2014 New York Title: I Got up. Subtitle: Mixed lot of 20 postcards. Date: 1968. Each: Stamped and franked postcard from Argentina. Ca. 9,5 x 14cm. Stamped with the artist's name and address in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Gloria Hotel/Hotel San Antonio), the title, date and time of delivery and the addressee Kasper König, New York. The cards were delivered in the period 25th October - 13th November, 1968. Provenance: - Collection Kasper König, Berlin (directly from artist) Exhibitions: - Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden, 2014 - Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York 2015 - Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden 2017/2018 - Kunstsaele Berlin, 2018 - Zentrum für Kunst und Medien, Karlsruhe 2018/19 - Ichihara Lakeside Museum, 2021 "From 1958, On Kawara lived as a cosmopolitan nomad, dividing his time largely between New York, Paris, and Tokyo. In 1968 he began sending two postcards a day to friends, family, and acquaintances from whichever city he was in at the time. In April 1968, he sent the first cards addressed to Kasper König, who recalls, "I gave him two hundred dollars up front, which was a lot of money back then, so that he would send me postcards from his trip to Mexico." For this project, known as the "I Got Up" series, Kawara bought picture postcards showing monuments and places of interest in a horizontal format. Using rubber stamps, Kawara printed his current address, the name and address of his recipient, and the exact time he got up that day. This rudimentary information was the only thing he included after May 10, 1969. The earlier postcards pictured here include other information; on April 10 and 12, for example, he added a handwritten note detailing what he had eaten that day: an egg for lunch and three tacos for dinner. König commented, "On collected menus at the time, but he decided not to declare them a work. For him, it was a sort of sociological study on what you could afford to eat." On the postcards sent on April 22, 24, 27, and 30, 1968, Kawara listed the names of the people he had met that day. According to König, this was "a predecessor to his "I Met" series, which he began shortly after." For this series, the artist typed out the names of all the people he had met that day and stamped the page with the date. In the same period, he recorded his daily movements in red ink on photocopied maps. These documents form the series "I Went". In 1970 Kawara began sending telegrams with the message "I AM STILL ALIVE." In 1966 he began his famous Date Paintings, mono- chrome canvases on which Kawara painted the day's date using a white sans serif typeface and formatting each one according to the conventions of the country he was in that day. König recalls, "The I Got Up series ended in Stockholm. On Kawara wanted to cash traveler's checks at a bank, and while he was doing so, somebody switched his briefcase. The person probably thought they were getting a valuable briefcase from a Japanese diplomat, and they were certainly disappointed when all they found inside was a children's stamp set from Austria with numbers and letters, which On had used for his I Got Up postcards." Although On Kawara's works document his existence (in space and time), there is little about them that is personal. He almost never revealed anything about his emotional state or his experience; the cards are simply affirmations and signs of life. Kawara's distanced view of the world was based on his attempt to create a life that was as deliberate as possible." (Exhib. cat. 1000... miles to the edge. Schenkung/Donation Kasper König. Museum Ludwig Cologne, 11th November, 2023 - 17th March, 2024). Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Arrangement after the auction. Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Post War 1960s Cityscape Works on paper Mixed media Architecture
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Oct. 01, 2024
On Kawara: MAY 7, 1967
Est: €500,000 - €700,000
KAWARA, ON 1932 Kariya/Japan - 2014 New York Title: "MAY 7, 1967". Date: 1967. Technique: Acrylic on canvas, with enclosed newspaper "The New York Times" from Sunday, May 7th, 1967, in original cardboard box. Measurement: 33,5 x 44cm. Notation: Titled and dated in the centre: MAY 7, 1967. Verso signed and dated again. Provenance: - Kasper König Collection, Berlin (directly from artist) Estimated shipping costs for this lot: Arrangement after the auction. Explanations to the Catalogue On Kawara Asia Conceptual Art Post-War Art Post War 1960s Time Painting Acrylic Writing
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Jun. 05, 2024
Five Postcards to John Evans, 1969, from I Got Up, 1968-1979
Est: $30,000 - $40,000
On Kawara 1932 - 2014 Five Postcards to John Evans, 1969, from I Got Up, 1968-1979 each: stamped with the artist's name, title and respective date (on the verso) each: ink on mailed postcard each: 3½ by 5½ in. 8.9 by 14 cm. Executed in March 1969.
Sotheby's
Jun. 04, 2024
On Kawara, I Got up, 1973
Est: €30,000 - €40,000
Each stamped with the name and address of the artist in Stockholm (Torpedverkstan Moderna Museet), the title, date and time of execution and the receiver Giancarlo Politi. The cards were completed in the period from 17-22 January 1973.
Kunsthaus Lempertz KG
May. 21, 2024
ON KAWARA (1933-2014) I Got Up ink on postcard and chromogenic print each:
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
ON KAWARA (1933-2014) I Got Up ink on postcard and chromogenic print each: 3 ½ x 5 ½ in. (8.9 x 14 cm.)
Christie's
Mar. 23, 2024
Kawara, On (1933 Kariya / Japan - New York 2014)
Est: €100 - €120
"100 Year Calendar", 1968. Zweifarbig aud Wachspapier gedruckter Kalender von 1901 bis 2000 (l. Altersspuren, gefaltet), bez., aus einer limitierten Auflage, Herausgegeben von W. Copley, 1968, hergestellt bei The Letter Edged in Black Press Inc., New York, aus der Mappe S.M.S. ("Shit Must Stop") No. 4. Ca. 50,6x 96,2 cm.
Dannenberg
Dec. 14, 2023
from 'I Got Up'
Est: ¥700,000 - ¥1,000,000
stamped with the artist's name and the date of execution
Mallet Auction
Dec. 06, 2023
ON KAWARA (1932-2014)
Est: €150 - €250
'Continuity/ Discontinuity 1963-1979'. Offset. Poster. Stockholm, Moderna Museet, 1980. Folded. Description FR 'Continuity/ Discontinuity 1963-1979'. Offset. Affiche. Stockholm, Moderna Museet, 1980. Pliée. Beschrijving NL 'Continuity/ Discontinuity 1963-1979'. Offset. Poster. Stockholm, Moderna Museet, 1980. Gevouwen.
Bernaerts Auctioneers
Dec. 06, 2023
ON KAWARA (1932-2014)
Est: €400 - €600
'I Went I Met I Read Journal', 1969 (1992). Cologne, Walther König, 1992. Four volumes 4to, in the original edition box. Pristine condition. Description FR 'I Went I Met I Read Journal', 1969 (1992). Köln, Walther König, 1992. 4 vol. 4to, dans la boîte d'édition orig. État parfait. Beschrijving NL 'I Went I Met I Read Journal', 1969 (1992). Köln, Walther König, 1992. Four volumes 4to, in the original edition box. Pristine condition.
Bernaerts Auctioneers
Dec. 06, 2023
ON KAWARA (1932-2014)
Est: €100 - €200
A set of three catalogues: - continuity/ discontinuity 1963 - 1979. Moderna Museet, Stockholm/ 1980, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, 1981. 4to. - Production de l'année 1973/ Production of the year 1973. Brussels/ Bruxelles, Paleis voor Schone Kunsten/ Palais des Beaux-Arts, 1973. 4to. - Weiss/ Wheeler - Silence. Guggenheim, 2015. 4to obl. Description FR Un lot de trois catalogues : - continuité/ discontinuité 1963 - 1979. Moderna Museet, Stockholm/ 1980, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, 1981. 4to. - Production de l'année 1973/ Production of the year 1973. Bruxelles/ Bruxelles, Paleis voor Schone Kunsten/ Palais des Beaux-Arts, 1973. 4to. - Weiss/ Wheeler - Silence. Guggenheim, 2015. 4to obl. Beschrijving NL Een set van drie catalogi: - continuity/ discontinuity 1963 - 1979. Moderna Museet, Stockholm/ 1980, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, 1981. 4to. - Production de l'année 1973/ Produktie van het jaar 1973. Brussel/ Bruxelles, Paleis voor Schone Kunsten/ Palais des Beaux-Arts, 1973. 4to. - Weiss/ Wheeler - Silence. Guggenheim, 2015. 4to obl. Tot.: 3 ex.
Bernaerts Auctioneers
Sep. 29, 2023
ON KAWARA (1932-2014) DEC. 11, 1975, from Today, 1966-2013 acrylic on canva
Est: $600,000 - $800,000
ON KAWARA (1932-2014) DEC. 11, 1975, from Today, 1966-2013 acrylic on canvas, with handmade cardboard box with newspaper 18 x 24 ¼ in. (45.7 x 61.6 cm.)
Christie's
Aug. 01, 2023
On Kawara, One Million Years
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
On Kawara One Million Years 1999 printed and bound paper 5.875 h x 4.375 w x 1.75 d in (15 x 11 x 4 cm) Stamped number to copyright page of each volume '560'. This complete set of two volumes is number 560 from the edition of 570 printed by Jongbloed, Heerenveen, Netherlands and co-published by Editions Micheline Szwajcer and Michele Didier, Brussels. Sold with original slipcase. This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Jun. 30, 2023
On Kawara (1933 Kariya - New York 2014) – I am still alive (I am still alive)
Est: €6,000 - €8,000
Machine typed telegram on thin machine made paper. (19)94. Ca. 21 x 20.5 cm. With typed name lower left and with the stamped date “'94 Dec 24 -7:15” upper right.
Karl & Faber