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Question: Seikichi Takara Biography
Answer: From Island Flora to Cosmic Abstraction
Seikichi Takara (b. 1929) is a Hawaii-born master whose "no-smoke" training was deeply rooted in the natural rhythms of the Pacific. While his early work focused on traditional landscapes, his style evolved into a unique form of Abstract Expressionism where nature is the primary subject, but the emotion of the nature is what is captured. He is best known for his 1980s and 90s works, which often feature a "Cosmic" theme—representing the energy of the universe reflected through the flora and fauna of Hawaii. His work gained national prominence through his long-term partnership with Martin Lawrence Galleries, where his serigraphs became a staple of luxury contemporary collections. As of early 2026, his legacy is preserved as the "Artist of the Islands," with his large-scale murals and paintings held in major public and private collections across the U.S. and Japan.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Seikichi Takara for 40 years. Our collection features Original Oils (identified as [RH]) and Vetted Hand-Signed Serigraphs (identified by the first names of our private sellers). Because Takara’s work relies on "Dramatic Impressionism"—where the light seems to glow from behind the color fields—our vetting process focuses on verifying the Martin Lawrence Limited Edition blindstamps and the hand-signed pencil signatures on his heavy-weight papers. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What does he mean by "Arakat" is his name spelled backwards?
Answer: It was a playful technical signature he used in the early 1980s (e.g., Lake Arakat). At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these "Arakat-Period" traits in your database, as these works represent his pivot toward a more conceptual, abstract view of the Hawaiian landscape. |
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Question: Why are the "Martin Lawrence" blindstamps important?
Answer: During the 1980s and 90s, Martin Lawrence was the primary publisher for Takara’s most technically rigorous serigraphs. His market remains solid in early 2026; while huge 60" canvas originals command over $7,500, his hand-signed limited edition serigraphs (Ed. 75–295) consistently realize between $1,500 and $2,800 depending on the "Samurai" or "Cosmic" subject. |
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Question: How do I distinguish an "Original" from a "Serigraph on Canvas"?
Answer: Takara’s Original Oils/Acrylics (like Cosmology) feature unique, thick impasto brushwork that varies across the entire surface. A Serigraph on Canvas (like Encounter) is a high-tier multiple where the ink is screen-printed onto canvas, which can sometimes be mistaken for an original by the untrained eye. We use our 40 years of experience to identify these technical tiers, ensuring you know if you are acquiring a unique masterwork versus a high-tier multiple. |
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Question: What is a "Triptych" in Takara's work?
Answer: Takara often produced large-scale triptychs (three-panel works) like Red Echo. We provide factual provenance for these Mural-Scale works, which are highly prized for their architectural impact and are currently among his most sought-after assets in early 2026. |
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Question: What are common condition issues with his 1980s serigraphs?
Answer: The primary concern is "edge-wear" on the heavy papers or "ink-scuffing" on the matte surfaces of the serigraphs. We also check for "surface-cracking" in his heavier original acrylics. We physically inspect every piece—whether from [RH] or a Private Seller—to ensure the "Island Energy" is 100% stable. |
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Question: Why is he known as the "Cosmic Energy" artist?
Answer: Takara (Hawaii-based) is famous for his "Action-Painting" abstracts that represent cosmic energy. Original oils from the late 1980s (like Cosmic Energy 1988) are his primary "Investment" assets. His market is strongest in Hawaii and Japan. |
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Question: What is the value of an "Encounter" lithograph?
Answer: Encounter is one of his most recognized graphic works. While his auction records are modest (around $300–$1,000 for prints), they are very liquid in the Pacific market. Collectors look for the "Flow" and "Vibrancy" of his blues and golds. |
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Question: Are his "Samurai" themes more collectible than his abstracts?
Answer: Yes. His figurative "Samurai" series is a high-demand niche. These pieces blend his abstract "Energy" with Japanese historical themes. For a dealer, these are excellent "Crossover" items for collectors of both modern abstract and Asian-themed art. |
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Question: Why should I buy Seikichi Takara from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: Seikichi Takara’s "Island Abstract" style has led to many unauthorized digital reproductions sold as original hand-signed editions. A general auction site won't tell you the difference between a Hand-Signed & Numbered Serigraph (Ed. 75) and a common commercial print. We talk to you directly to verify the Edition Tier, Blindstamp Authenticity, and COA, providing the "No-Smoke" transparency your collection deserves. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25% above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
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Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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