Group of Figures
Mixed media painting and collage on paper • Tomi Yabuchi
Style & Movement
Modernist abstract figurative art with Japanese folk and traditional decorative influences
Medium & Technique
Gouache, ink, and patterned paper collage on dark paper support, utilizing linear abstraction and mosaic-like patterned sections
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century, circa 1960s-1980s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 18 inches, vertical rectangular format
Subject Description
A close-up compositional arrangement of multiple stylized human figures or heads depicted in profile and semi-profile against a dark background, characterized by intricate geometric patterns, segmented planes, and flattened perspective reminiscent of stained glass or ancient mosaics
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper surface appears clean with vibrant colors and well-preserved collage elements, mounted within a neutral mat.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,000
Provenance History
Signed 'Tomi Yabuchi' in the upper left with an artist's red seal stamp. Likely acquired from an international gallery specializing in Japanese contemporary or modernist art.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the post-war synthesis of traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities—such as flat patterning, decorative borders, and seal use—with Western European modernist abstraction and cubist fracturing of the human form.
Notable Features
Distinctive mosaic-like patterning within the clothing and headdresses of the figures, paired with a sophisticated monochromatic dark background and a traditional red calligraphic seal mark.
Condition Issues
Minor potential toning of the surrounding mat board; the underlying artwork appears free from major tears, foxing, or active degradation.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the gouache and paper collage elements. Maintain stable relative humidity and frame with UV-filtering conservation glass.