Collectors of animation art will have the opportunity to acquire rare original production materials from Studio Ghibli when Propstore hosts its Animation Art Live Auction on July 8 and July 9. The two-day sale will feature hand-painted production cels spanning five landmark Studio Ghibli films from 1988 to 1997, alongside original production backgrounds, Key Master backgrounds, and background overlays.
Additionally, the auction will welcome global online, absentee, and telephone bidding, while a free public exhibition will take place at Borough Yards in London from July 2 to July 5 ahead of the sale.
Rare Studio Ghibli production cels lead the auction
The headline lot is an original production cel from Kiki’s Delivery Service, depicting Kiki during a pivotal scene in the 1989 film as she struggles with the loss of her powers. The artwork retains its original hand-painted Key Master background together with a hand-painted background overlay, a rare combination that reflects the layered production techniques employed during Studio Ghibli’s hand-painted animation era.
Moreover, the complete setup remains intact with its original production components, adding historical and material significance beyond the artwork itself. The lot carries a pre-sale estimate of £6,000 to £12,000 (approximately $7,620 to $15,240).
Another major highlight is a production cel from Porco Rosso, estimated at the same value. The artwork portrays Fio holding a battle-worn Porco after the film’s climactic final fight. Furthermore, the cel is presented on its original hand-painted production background, reinforcing its authenticity as an original production artifact rather than a presentation piece.
Meanwhile, a production cel from Princess Mononoke is expected to fetch between £3,000 and £6,000 (approximately $3,810 to $7,620). The artwork features Ashitaka alongside Moro, the great wolf goddess, from the 1997 feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Because Princess Mononoke was among Studio Ghibli’s last films produced predominantly with traditional hand-painted cels before the studio transitioned toward digital production, surviving original cels have become increasingly scarce. The lot is presented on a fine art giclée background.
Further highlights include a My Neighbor Totoro opening credits production cel on a presentation background, estimated at £2,000 GBP to £4,000 GBP (approximately $2,540 USD to $5,080 USD), as well as a Pom Poko cel featuring Bunta on a fine art giclée background, estimated at £1,000 GBP to £2,000 GBP (approximately $1,270 USD to $2,540 USD).
Animation art reflects Studio Ghibli’s hand-crafted legacy
The auction showcases original animation materials created during nearly a decade of Studio Ghibli’s hand-painted filmmaking, offering collectors insight into the studio’s production methods before the widespread adoption of digital animation.
Propstore’s Animation Art Expert Russell Singler shares, “Studio Ghibli’s films have a remarkable ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, combining breathtaking artistry with stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. From Kiki’s journey of self-discovery and Porco Rosso’s quiet melancholy to the epic scale of Princess Mononoke, these films represent some of the most celebrated achievements in animation. The pieces featured in this Propstore collection are the original hand-crafted artworks that helped bring those worlds to life. Carefully selected for their quality, rarity, and significance, they offer collectors a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Studio Ghibli history.”
Propstore’s Animation Art Live Auction will take place on July 8 and July 9. Before bidding begins, visitors can view the works during a free public exhibition at Borough Yards in London, running from July 2 through July 5.