Kiki Cel Appraisal

Original Animation Cel: Kiki's Delivery Service

This item is an original animation cel from the movie 'Kiki's Delivery Service' (Majo no Takkyubin), as indicated by the title 'Kiki's Delivery Service' and '魔女の宅急便' below the item code S18-01D001. The cel, measuring approximately 230mm x 364mm (9.1" x 14.3"), depicts the main character, Kiki, with her signature red bow, dark hair, and black attire, holding a large, light-yellow object, likely her broom or a parcel. Kiki's facial expression appears to be one of cautious determination or surprise, with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth. The background is a vibrant blue sky with fluffy white clouds, though a note specifies 'Background image is not original.' The cel itself is housed within a light-colored wooden frame with visible grain, suggesting a natural wood finish, and a white mat that provides a clean border around the artwork. The cel appears to be in good condition with no immediately visible damage such as scratches, fading, or paint chipping, maintaining its vivid colors. The craftsmanship points to a professional production studio, Studio Ghibli, and the year of release is stated as 1989. The item is presented within what appears to be a catalog or exhibition booklet, with accompanying text in English and Japanese providing details about the cel's specifications, director (Hayao Miyazaki), and production studio. The visible quality of the cel suggests it is a authentic piece of animation history from a renowned studio, reflecting the meticulous hand-drawn animation techniques of its era. The presentation in a catalog context further emphasizes its collectible nature and significance.