Tattoo Art The Peter Mui Collection

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. Now, the largest collection of original Tattoo art—from the studios of the world’s most prominent tattoo artists—will be sold by NYC-based Guernsey’s, in the first-ever auction of its kind. The Peter Mui Collection of Original Tattoo Art will be sold on November 13/14 in Manhattan’s stylish Meatpacking District.

The late Mr. 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 majority of the art in the Mui Collection exists as full (often vivid) color, torso-sized original paintings consisting of extraordinary images and designs. Smaller images known as “Flash Art" will also be included in the sale. Other than this unique auction, examples of original Tattoo Art can be found in museums in New York, Los Angeles, Hamburg, London, and Tokyo.

The use of Tattoos to adorn the human body pre-dates 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. With this proliferation of Tattoo Art, it is no surprise that the Tattoo artists in Mui’s Collection have risen to exalted positions, generating large groups of admirers.

Peter Mui’s sudden and premature passing in 2009 left his family with his massive, archivally-maintained, totally unique Collection. Inasmuch as Mui was a participant at Guernsey's events, it was only natural that the family contact that auction house.

Those who are interested in participating can view the full catalogue online, and leave advance absentee bids, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at www.liveauctioneers.com or www.invaluable.com.

Interested bidders should also review the Terms & Conditions, as well as the Bidder Agreement form, and the Absentee Bid form.

Guernsey's welcomes inquiries from the media regarding both past and upcoming events. PDF copies of the press release and links to media coverage of The Tattoo Art Collection are available below:

• Press Release (November 13 & 14)