Presented like a museum window into Murakami’s early 2000s imagination, this 2003 offset lithograph “Jellyfish” emerges as a rare and striking artifact from the artist’s foundational Superflat era. With its hypnotic eyes, candy-colored spirals, and smiling floral ecosystem, the work encapsulates Murakami’s playful yet uncanny visual language during a period that shaped his global ascent.

The composition features a surreal hybrid creature—part jellyfish, part cartoon spirit—floating above a field of multicolor Superflat flowers. Its swirling details, gradient tones, and checkerboard silver background recall Murakami’s philosophy of “flatness as cultural memory,” where otaku aesthetics, pop energy, and fine-art tradition collapse into one surface.

Created at a time when Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki studio was still developing its signature production system, this limited edition of 300 stands as an important historical document. Early prints from the 2000–2005 era have become increasingly rare, especially those preserved with clarity and minimal wear.

This particular piece remains in very good condition for its age, protected behind a wooden frame and displaying vibrant color retention. Small age-related imperfections may exist due to its 20-year history, but the artwork remains strong, clean, and visually commanding.

A significant addition for serious Murakami collectors, this “Jellyfish” lithograph bridges the innocence of early Superflat with the surrealism that would later define Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki empire.

Item Specifics & Condition Report

Artist: Takashi Murakami
Title: Jellyfish
Year: 2003
Edition: Limited to 300
Technique: Offset Lithograph
Publisher: Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd.
Size:

• Artwork: 68 cm × 68 cm
• Framed Size: ~77 cm × 77 cm

Condition:

• Very good for a 20+ year-old print
• No visible dents or scratches
• Slight, natural age softening typical for 2003 pieces
• Protected behind wooden frame
• Not folded, not rolled

Inclusions:

• Glass-covered frame
• Kaikai Kiki signature light reflections (from artwork surface)
• Specialist cardboard shipping box (per listing)

Brand / Artist Profile: Takashi Murakami (Kaikai Kiki)

Takashi Murakami—founder of Kaikai Kiki—is one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists, known for merging high art with Japanese pop culture. His early 2000s Superflat works defined a new aesthetic movement and set the stage for international collaborations with Louis Vuitton, Pharrell, and major museums. Offset prints from this era (1999–2005) are highly coveted for their artistic importance and rarity.

At Japonista, we take pride in offering only carefully curated, original, and authentic pieces. Every item we list is examined, researched, and backed by our full authenticity guarantee—so you may buy with complete confidence.

Some of our pieces may allow a little room for negotiation, while others hold firm due to rarity, condition, or collector value. On a case-by-case basis, we do entertain best offers, and we welcome you to submit one if you have a particular figure in mind. We review all offers seriously and personally.

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