Le système des ventes d’œuvres d’art réservées aux professionnels au Japon (kōkankai)

Abstract

Based on cross-funding practices and mutual solidarity, the private auctions held by art dealers’ unions help share information on artworks, price trends and buyers’ needs. Essential for supplying the market with artworks, they enable dealers to limit the storage of unsold goods and maintain stable prices for professionals. In periods of growth they encourage the circulation of art, while in periods of recession they support struggling galleries. Yet their closed nature, lack of transparency and difficulty adapting (particularly in the field of contemporary art) also hinder the modernisation of the art market. Competition from westernised auction houses and the lack of external outlets mean such auctions now face a crisis that threatens the survival of one part of the Japanese art market.

Keywords

• Kōkankai
• Art Market
• Art Auctions
• Auction Methods
• Art Dealer
• Gallery