NEW YORK – The largest collection of original tattoo art—from the studios of the world’s most prominent tattoo artists—will be sold by Guernsey’s in the first-ever auction of its kind. The Peter Mui Collection of Original Tattoo Art will be sold on Nov. 13-14 in Manhattan.
No longer relegated to the human body as a canvas, examples of original tattoo art can be found in a number of the world’s leading museums. Tattoos today are less about social outcasts and instead serve as stunning representations of visual design.
The late Peter Mui was a highly regarded fashion designer, actor and musician. His collection, which will be sold in more than 1,000 unreserved lots, is believed to be the largest collection of original Tattoo Art created by the world’s most accomplished tattoo artists. For over 15 years Mui traveled the globe seeking out acknowledged tattoo masters. His collection consists of original works on art board, canvas and paper by noteworthy artists such as Japan’s Horiyoshi III, Horitomo and Horitoyo; Swiss artist Filip Leu; American traditional tattoo icon Bob Roberts; Spain’s tattoo realist Robert Hernandez; biomechanical tattoo pioneers Guy Aitchison and Aaron Cain; and tribal tattoo artists Leo Zulueta and Roger Ingerton.
The bulk of the art in the Mui Collection exists as full-color, torso-sized original paintings consisting of extraordinary images and designs. Smaller images known as “flash art” will also be included in the sale.
The use of tattoos to adorn the human body predates recorded history. It has been practiced for centuries in different cultures around the world, as reflected in some of the pieces in Mui’s collection. However, it is in the last several decades that the art of tattooing has gained true international recognition and popularity.
Mui’s passing in 2009 left his family with his archivally maintained, unique collection. Inasmuch as Mui was a participant at Guernsey’s events, it was only natural that the family contact that auction house.
Glimpses of the dynamic tattoo art from the Mui Collection can be found at LiveAuctioneers.com, which will provide absentee and Internet live bidding.