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Chiura Obata Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1885 - d. 1975

Artist Chiura Obata was born in Japan in 1885 and immigrated to California in 1903. He created landscape paintings on silk, murals, and woodblock prints, and Chiura Obata's drawings appeared in several magazines and as book illustrations. In the 1930s, he taught painting at the University of California, Berkeley, and became known for his landscape paintings, particularly those of Yosemite National Park. In 1942, Obata and his family were sent to an internment camp for Japanese Americans. The president of U.C. Berkeley stored Chiura Obata's drawings and paintings during his confinement, while Obata continued teaching art in the camp. After his release, he returned to Berkeley, where he lived until his death in 1975. Because he preferred to show his works rather than sell them, it's difficult to determine the value of Chiura Obata's prints. Find remarkable landscapes and contemporary or antique still life drawings at Invaluable and choose something from your preferred decade.

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        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975) - Deer and Pine
          Aug. 16, 2024

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) - Deer and Pine

          Est: $800 - $1,200

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) - Deer and Pine. Ink and color on paper, dated 1938, signed and with the artist's seal on the lower left, framed and glazed, 20"h x 14.75"w.

          Clars Auctions
        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Evening Glow - Bay Bridge sheet 20 3/4 x 15 5/8 in. framed 28 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.
          Aug. 06, 2024

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Evening Glow - Bay Bridge sheet 20 3/4 x 15 5/8 in. framed 28 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.

          Est: $5,000 - $7,000

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Evening Glow - Bay Bridge signed and dated 'Chiura Obata / Nov. 1945' (lower right) watercolor on paper sheet 20 3/4 x 15 5/8 in. framed 28 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.

          Bonhams
        • Japanese woodblock Print Chiura Obata
          Jan. 20, 2024

          Japanese woodblock Print Chiura Obata

          Est: $200 - $300

          Japanese woodblock Print by Chiura Obata Shiho En

          Woodblock Prints World
        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975); Silence, Last Twilight on an Unknown Lake, Johnson Peak;
          Oct. 03, 2023

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975); Silence, Last Twilight on an Unknown Lake, Johnson Peak;

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Silence, Last Twilight on an Unknown Lake, Johnson Peak, 1930 Woodcut in colors on Japan paper to Japan paper support, with inkstamp verso of Takamizawa Color Print Studio, Japan, with full margins. 11 x 15 3/4in (28 x 40.1cm) sheet 13 1/4 x 17 7/8in (33.7 x 45.5cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

          Bonhams
        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975); Great Nature, Storm on Mount Lyell from Johnson Peak;
          Oct. 03, 2023

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975); Great Nature, Storm on Mount Lyell from Johnson Peak;

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Great Nature, Storm on Mount Lyell from Johnson Peak, 1930 Woodcut in colors on laid Japan paper to Japan paper support, signed in ink and with the artist's red inkstamp, with margins. 11 x 16 3/4in (28 x 42.7cm) sheet 13 3/4 x 18 1/8in (35 x 46.2cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

          Bonhams
        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975).
          Feb. 25, 2023

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975).

          Est: $300 - $500

          Artist: Chiura Obata (1885-1975). Title/Description: A group of 7 works, including abstracts, a landscape, horses, and a portrait (possibly Elsie Whitaker Martinez). Signature: Unsigned; identified as Obataon folder by Elsie or Micaela Martinez. Date Created: 20th Century. Size: Each approx. 11 3/4in x 8 1/2in. Medium/Ground: Watercolor/wash on paper/sketchbook pages. Condition: Toned, some creasing. From the Family of Xavier Martinez (1869-1943), Elsie Whitaker Martinez (1890-1984), and Micaela Martinez DuCasse (1913-1989).

          Turner Auctions + Appraisals
        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975).
          Feb. 25, 2023

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975).

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Artist:Chiura Obata (1885-1975). Title/Description: Mountain landscape. Signature: Signed and stamped lower right. Date Created: 1947. Medium/Ground: Ink/wash on paper. Size:15 1/2in x 22 1/2in (unframed). Condition: Laid down on cardboard; toning. From the Family of Xavier Martinez (1869-1943), Elsie Whitaker Martinez (1890-1984), and Micaela Martinez DuCasse (1913-1989).

          Turner Auctions + Appraisals
        • Print, Chiura Obata
          Jan. 13, 2023

          Print, Chiura Obata

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Evening at Clark Inn (from the World Landscape Series)," 1930, woodcut print in colors, printed at Takamizawa print studio with printer's label verso, sight: 15.5"h x 10.75"w, overall (with frame): 23.5"h x 19.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Chiura Obata, Country Road, Concord, 1930's
          Oct. 29, 2022

          Chiura Obata, Country Road, Concord, 1930's

          Est: $1,200 - $1,800

          Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885-1975). "Country Road, Concord," 1930's. Watercolor, (19.25 x 15.625 inches, sight), red ink seal and signed lower left. Frame: 29.125 in., W: 25.125 in., D: 2.125 in. Provenance: Doll & Richards, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts paper label, No. C 50763.

          Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
        • Silk Painting, Chiura Obata
          Aug. 14, 2022

          Silk Painting, Chiura Obata

          Est: $15,000 - $20,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Shower, Point Lobos," 1933, watercolor and gouache on silk, signed, dated, and stamped lower right, sight: 19.5"h x 14"w, overall (with frame): 26"h x 20.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on paper, Chiura Obata
          Aug. 14, 2022

          Work on paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885-1975), Angel Island, ink wash on paper, signed and stamped lower right, sheet (unframed): 15"h x 20.5"w. Note: In this historically significant view, the tugboat in the background is sailing away from the Angel Island Immigration Station, known as the "Ellis Island of the West." Based on the style and the Immigration Station, which closed in 1940, this painting likely dates to the late 1930s.

          Clars Auctions
        • Works on paper, Chiura Obata
          Apr. 24, 2022

          Works on paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,200 - $1,800

          (lot of 2) Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Landscapes with Trees, ink washes on cards, each signed and stamped lower left, sheets: 5.75"h x 4"w, cards (folded): 7"h x 5.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Works on paper, Chiura Obata
          Apr. 24, 2022

          Works on paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,000 - $1,500

          (lot of 2) Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Abstract and Egret above Water, ink washes on cards, each signed and stamped lower right, sheets: 7.75"h x 4.25"w/7.75"h x 3.5"w, cards (folded): 8"h x 4.5"w/8.5"h x 4"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on paper, Chiura Obata
          Apr. 24, 2022

          Work on paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $700 - $1,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Sheep with Distant Mountain, ink wash on card, signed and stamped lower left, sheet (tissue): 6.5"h x 3"w, card (folded): 8"h x 4"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Print, Chiura Obata
          Nov. 21, 2021

          Print, Chiura Obata

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885-1975), "Lake Mary, Inyo National Forest" from World Landscape Series, 1930, woodcut in colors, unsigned, sight: 10.25"h x 15"w, overall (with frame): 17.5"h x 21.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • OBATA CHIURA (1885-1975) Showa era (1926-1989)
          Sep. 22, 2021

          OBATA CHIURA (1885-1975) Showa era (1926-1989)

          Est: $2,000 - $3,000

          OBATA CHIURA (1885-1975) Showa era (1926-1989) A woodblock print entitled Sanjo no mizuumi Beikoku kashu Hai Shiera (Lake Basin in High Sierra), carved by Baba Shizuka, printed by Manjiro, edition number 57, signed Chiura 14 7/8 x 20in (37.7 x 50.9cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

          Bonhams
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Feb. 21, 2021

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,000 - $2,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Hydangeas in the Rain," watercolor, signed/stamped lower right, gallery title label (Maxwell Galleries, San Francisco, CA) affixed verso, sight: 15"h x 20.5"w, overall (with frame): 23.75"h x 29.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Jan. 17, 2021

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,500 - $2,500

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Hydangeas in the Rain," watercolor, signed/stamped lower right, gallery title label (Maxwell Galleries, San Francisco, CA) affixed verso, sight: 15"h x 20.5"w, overall (with frame): 23.75"h x 29.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975) Watercolor On Paper
          Dec. 12, 2020

          Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975) Watercolor On Paper

          Est: -

          Light Water Damage. Titled “ Hydrangeas In The Rain”. Frame Measures Approximately 24in X 29in. Art Measures Approximately 15in X 20in. Bh14452 Zh

          EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
        • Work on paper, Chiura Obata
          Jun. 14, 2020

          Work on paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Untitled (Berkeley Hills), 1924, ink wash, signed/stamped and dated lower left, sight: 10.5"h x 13.5"w, overall (with frame): 17"h x 21.75"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on Paper, Chiura Obata
          Mar. 22, 2020

          Work on Paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese,1885-1975), Horse Posing in Front of Tree, watercolor on paper, signed lower right with artist seal, sight: 19.25"h x 15"w, overall (with frame): 30.5"h x 20.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on Paper, Chiura Obata
          Mar. 22, 2020

          Work on Paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese,1885-1975), "Pier with Overcast Clouds," 1937, watercolor on paper, signed and dated lower left with artist seal, sight: 20.25"h x 15"w, overall (with frame): 28.5"h x 20.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Mar. 22, 2020

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $7,000 - $10,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese,1885-1975), "Two Peonies," watercolor on silk, signed lower right with artists' seal, sight: 16"h x 20"w, overall (with frame): 23.5"h x 28"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975)
          Jan. 25, 2020

          Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975)

          Est: $600 - $800

          Artist: Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975). Title: Persimmons Signature: Lower left. Size: Artwork: 17 1/4 x 22 1/2 inches. Frame: 25 x 29 1/2 inches. Created: 20th century. Medium: Water color.  

          Turner Auctions + Appraisals
        • Chiura Obata, (1885-1975 Japanese/American), Interior of a Japanese-style house, Watercolor and pencil on paper, Image: 9" H x 12.5" W
          Nov. 19, 2019

          Chiura Obata, (1885-1975 Japanese/American), Interior of a Japanese-style house, Watercolor and pencil on paper, Image: 9" H x 12.5" W

          Est: $800 - $1,200

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975 Japanese/American) Interior of a Japanese-style house Watercolor and pencil on paper Signed lower left: Chiura Obata, together with artist's seal Image: 9" H x 12.5" W

          John Moran Auctioneers
        • Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975)
          Oct. 19, 2019

          Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975)

          Est: $600 - $800

          Artist: Chiura Obata(1885 - 1975). Title: Persimmons Signature: Lower left. Size: Artwork: 17 1/4 x 22 1/2 inches. Frame: 25 x 29 1/2 inches. Created: 20th century. Medium: Water color.

          Turner Auctions + Appraisals
        • Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Ink Wash
          Sep. 19, 2019

          Chiura Obata (1885-1975) Ink Wash

          Est: $250 - $500

          Framed Chiura Obata (1885-1975) ink wash on paper depicting figures in a canoe beneath a large cliff with overhanging tree. Signed and stamped lower left. Dimension: (sight) 9.5"h x 10.5"w; (overall) 18"h x 14.25"w. Born in Japan, Obata was initially trained in ink wash painting. He moved to San Francisco and began working as an illustrator. He is known for his landscape and nature paintings which he later converted to woodblock images. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $50.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance.

          Witherell's
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Jan. 20, 2019

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,000 - $2,000

          Chiura Obata (American, 1885-1975), Berkeley Pier, drybrush on paper, signed lower right, sight: 15.75"h x 21.75"w, overall (with frame): 19.25"h x 25.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975)
          Nov. 04, 2018

          Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975)

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Artist: Chiura Obata (1885 - 1975). Title: San Francisco Bay. Signature: Lower right. Size: Artwork: 17 1/4 x 22 1/2 inches. Frame: 25 x 29 1/2 inches. Condition: Good. Created: 20th century. Medium: Water color.

          Turner Auctions + Appraisals
        • Chiura Obata (Japanese / American 1885 - 1975) Watercolor on Silk
          Sep. 17, 2018

          Chiura Obata (Japanese / American 1885 - 1975) Watercolor on Silk

          Est: $500 - $800

          Depicting a coastal landscape, signed at the lower right, and dated for 1935.

          Locati LLC
        • Print, Chiura Obata
          Sep. 16, 2018

          Print, Chiura Obata

          Est: $500 - $700

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Madam Talia Savanieva (Before Singing)," woodblock print in colors, 1930, signed, dated, and stamped lower right, sight: 15.5"h x 10.5"w. overall (with frame): 20.75"h x 16.75"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Sep. 16, 2018

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Striped Bass," watercolor on paper, signed and stamped lower right, sight: 15"h x 20"w, overall (with frame): 24.25"h x 29.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on silk, Chiura Obata
          Sep. 16, 2018

          Work on silk, Chiura Obata

          Est: $20,000 - $40,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Overlooking Carmel Valley," 1946, ink and color on silk, signed/stamped and dated lower right, titled verso, silk: 15.75"h x 19.75"w, overall (with frame): 28.25"h x 21.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on Paper, Chiura Obata
          Apr. 22, 2018

          Work on Paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $2,000 - $4,000

          Chiura Obata (Japanese/American, 1885-1975), Winter Snow, ink on paper affixed to scroll, signed and stamped lower left, sheet: 32"h x 16"w, overall (with scroll): 45"h x 20.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Nov. 19, 2017

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $7,000 - $10,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Spring Garden," watercolor, signed and stamped lower left, sheet (unframed): 18"h x 27.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolors, Chiura Obata
          Nov. 19, 2017

          Watercolors, Chiura Obata

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          (lot of 2) Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Peonies," watercolors, each signed/stamped lower right, sheet (unframed): 20.5"h x 15.5"w/20"h x 15"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Sep. 17, 2017

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Peonies," watercolor, signed/stamped lower right, sheet (unframed): 20.5"h x 15.375"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Sep. 17, 2017

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $3,000 - $5,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Peonies," watercolor, signed/stamped lower right, sheet (unframed): 19.875"h x 15.125"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Woodblock print, Chiura Obata
          Sep. 17, 2017

          Woodblock print, Chiura Obata

          Est: $7,000 - $10,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Foggy Morning: Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco," 1930, woodblock print, signed/stamped and dated lower right, image: 10.5"h x 17"w, sheet (unframed): 12.625"h x 19.25"w. Note: Accompanied with original cover folder

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on paper, Chiura Obata
          Jun. 18, 2017

          Work on paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,000 - $2,000

          Chiura Obata (American, 1885-1975), Woman with Green and Blue Robe, 1933, watercolor and gouache on paper, signed, stamped and dated lower left, overall (sheet/unframed): 21"h x 15.5"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Feb. 19, 2017

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,000 - $2,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Two Deer, watercolor, signed and stamped lower left, sight: 15"h x 20"w, overall (with frame): 21.75"h x 26.25"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on Silk, Chiura Obata
          Feb. 19, 2017

          Work on Silk, Chiura Obata

          Est: $4,000 - $6,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Monterey Cypress on the Cliffs of Pebble Beach, 1948, watercolor and gouache on silk, signed, dated, and sealed lower right, sight: 19.75"h x 16"w, overall (with frame): 33"h x 28"w

          Clars Auctions
        • EVENING GLOW AT MONO LAKE, FROM MONO MILLS BY CHIURA OBATA (JAPANESE, 1885-1975).
          Jan. 21, 2017

          EVENING GLOW AT MONO LAKE, FROM MONO MILLS BY CHIURA OBATA (JAPANESE, 1885-1975).

          Est: $25 - $50

          EVENING GLOW AT MONO LAKE, FROM MONO MILLS BY CHIURA OBATA (JAPANESE, 1885-1975). Lithograph, signed in plate lower left. Showing a serene mountain landscape with still water and pine trees after the 1930 woodcut by the artist. Sight 15.5"h. 10.75"w., framed 22"h. 18"w.

          Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
        • Woodcut print, Chiura Obata
          Jan. 15, 2017

          Woodcut print, Chiura Obata

          Est: $500 - $700

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), "Before the Rain: Mono Lake, High Sierra, U.S.A." woodcut in colors, signed in print lower right, printed by Takamizawa, image (sight): 10.75"h x 15.5"w, overall (with frame): 17.5"h x 22"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Watercolor, Chiura Obata
          Dec. 11, 2016

          Watercolor, Chiura Obata

          Est: $1,000 - $2,000

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Blue Bird on Blossoming Branch, watercolor, signed/stamped lower right, sheet (unframed): 15.5"h x 21"w

          Clars Auctions
        • FOUR CHIURA OBATA PRINTS (JAPANESE-AMERICAN, 1885-1975).
          Jul. 16, 2016

          FOUR CHIURA OBATA PRINTS (JAPANESE-AMERICAN, 1885-1975).

          Est: $50 - $75

          FOUR CHIURA OBATA PRINTS (JAPANESE-AMERICAN, 1885-1975). Photomechanical print reproduction of 1939 ink and color on silk. Taken from his book, "The Seasons at California." Obata's unique style meshes traditional Japanese landscape painting with western realism and American imagery. 8.25"h 6.5"w., framed 16.5"h. 13.25"w.

          Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
        • Work on Paper, Chiura Obata
          Feb. 21, 2016

          Work on Paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $400 - $600

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Magnolia, ink on paper, signed lower left, sheet (unframed): 15"h x 20.75"w

          Clars Auctions
        • Work on Paper, Chiura Obata
          Feb. 21, 2016

          Work on Paper, Chiura Obata

          Est: $400 - $600

          Chiura Obata (American/Japanese, 1885-1975), Wild Grass, 1933, ink on paper, signed and dated lower right, sheet (unframed): 20.75"h x 15"w

          Clars Auctions
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