Phillips auction house has this week announced the latest headlining work to hit the auction block. Yoshitomo Nara’s Hot House Doll, in the White Room III will be heading to auction in November of this year and is expected to fetch one of the highest-ever prices for a work by the revered artist. The historically significant canvas will be one of the most desirable pieces at the Phillips in association with Poly 20th Century & Contemporary Art and Design Hong Kong Sales.

The artwork, which appeared as the cover of the artist’s catalogue raisonné, Yoshitomo Nara Complete Works 1984–2010, published in 2011, features a full-body portrait of a young girl with wide, almond-shaped eyes and a “broody, mischievous sulk.” Dating back to 1995, the work also features a striking baby blue colorway that’s considered to be abnormal for Nara; a motif that was only seen sporadically throughout the turn of the century.

“Hot House Doll, in the White Room III is one of the finest examples of Yoshitomo Nara’s distinctive and touching portrayal of childhood, drawing from memories forged during those crucial years in Germany,” said Isaure de Viel Castel, Head of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Phillips Hong Kong, in a press release. “Phillips is honoured to be entrusted with the sale of this painting, which reappears at auction for the first time after 12 years having remained in a private collection.”

Hot House Doll, in the White Room III will be the first highlighted work of Phillips in Association with Poly 20th Century & Contemporary Art Evening Sale, which will take place on November 29th at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Additional highlights of the upcoming sales will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information or to register as a bidder, be sure to visit the official Phillips website.

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