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An original hand-painted production background from Samurai Jack, showcasing the haunting artistry and minimalist visual design that made the series one of the most acclaimed animated shows of its time. Painted in gouache and acrylic, this atmospheric piece features two monumental stone guardians emerging from shadow and mist, their sculpted faces and angular armour conveying both strength and melancholy.
This background captures the refined craftsmanship and cinematic tone that defined the series under creator Genndy Tartakovsky and art director Scott Wills. The rich texture, layered brushwork and subtle tonal shifts create extraordinary depth, a perfect example of how Samurai Jack used visual silence and stillness as storytelling tools.
Although Samurai Jack was digitally animated, the environments were traditionally hand-painted by a small team of background artists including Bill Wray, Dan Krall, and Scott Wills. Each painting was scanned and composited digitally, meaning no cels were ever created, making surviving production artwork like this the only true physical artefacts of the show's creation. The combination of traditional media and digital compositing gave the series its distinctive look, merging painterly detail with modern animation techniques.
Tartakovsky often described the backgrounds as "silent narrators" of the story, conveying emotion, isolation, and grandeur through composition and light. This piece likely served as an establishing shot or pan setup for one of the series' most contemplative sequences, its subdued palette and mysterious figures evoking timeless myth and ancient power.
On the collector market, Samurai Jack artwork has become increasingly sought after. The series commands a dedicated following among fans of both animation and fine art, admired for its bold design and storytelling sophistication. Authentic production backgrounds are especially prized because only a small number were ever released, and few capture the depth and mood that defined the show's visual style.
This is an exceptional example of Samurai Jack's artistry, painted by hand for use in the original production and preserved as a rare testament to Tartakovsky's vision. It stands not only as a collectible, but as a standalone work of contemporary animation art. Dimensions: 26.5 cm x 54 cm (10.5" x 21.25)
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £800 - 1,600 M
View all lots from SAMURAI JACK (TV SERIES, 2001-2004)