Mayuka Yamamoto (b. 1964) Little Yellow Bear, 2023 Oil on canvas 18 x 18 inches (45.7 x 45.7 cm) Signed and titled on the reverse: Little Yellow Bear/Mayuka PROVENANCE: GR Gallery, New York; Acquired by the present owner from the above. Born in Okayama, Japan, Mayuka Yamamoto is known for her distinctive portraits of children accompanied by animal costumes and fantastical companions. Drawing inspiration from fairy tales, childhood memories, and popular culture, her paintings balance innocence with subtle emotional complexity. In Little Yellow Bear, a young figure gazes directly at the viewer while wearing an oversized bear hood. The character's large green eyes and calm expression create a sense of quiet introspection, while the soft palette and delicate brushwork lend the composition a dreamlike quality. The bear motif, a recurring element in Yamamoto's work, evokes themes of comfort, protection, and childhood imagination. Painted in 2023, Little Yellow Bear exemplifies the artist's ability to create charming yet psychologically nuanced portraits. Combining technical refinement with a playful visual language, the work reflects the distinctive style that has made Yamamoto a celebrated figure in contemporary Japanese art. HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

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