Frequently Asked Questions

Do you guarantee artwork authenticity?

All artwork at Kumi Contemporary is 100% genuine and authentic. We provide a Kumi Contemporary authentication for all works as standard.

Do you ship Worldwide?

All artwork is available to ship Worldwide. You will be asked for your shipping address during the checkout process.

How do you pack artwork safely?

Artworks are professionally and securely packed in-house. Prints are generally packed in wide durable tubes. Where appropriate, some artworks are shipped flat or packed in a wooden crate.

Do you shipped framed artworks?

Framed artwork can be shipped or collected in person. For larger framed pieces, a professional art shipping company will be used.

Are artworks insured during transit?

We insure all artworks for their full value in the unlikely event that the artwork is damaged during transit.

Do you provide tracking information?

We provide tracking information as soon as the artwork has been dispatched. All artwork will require a signature at its destination.

Can I view the artwork in person before buying?

We thoroughly enjoy meeting our clients. Please contact us to arrange a viewing. For convenience, we can also accommodate evening and weekend viewings.

Which payment methods are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards via our secure checkout and PayPal. We also accept payment by bank transfer.

What is your returns policy?

If you are unhappy with your artwork, you have the right to return within 7 days from receipt of the work. Please contact us within 24 hours of receiving the artwork to be eligible. Any product that is returned must be in the same condition and packing it was delivered in. Shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. Obtaining proof of postage and adequate insurance is recommended. Kumi Contemporary is not responsible for any damage or loss in transit. Postage will be refunded only if goods are faulty or an error has been made on our part. International refunds will be made in GBP. We are not responsible for currency fluctuations or bank charges.

Damaged artwork

All our artwork is shipped in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that a piece is damaged in transit, you will be eligible for a replacement or a refund if a replacement is not available. Artwork and packing is photographed prior to being dispatched as proof of condition and to avoid dispute.

What does POA stand for?

POA stands for Price on Application. We use POA for price sensitive artworks or artworks that are not available to buy online. Please enquire for price and availability.

How should I store an artwork?

We’d advise you to remove artwork from tubes at your earliest convenience. Whilst a print can stay in a tube for the short term, it should not be seen as a long-term storage solution. It is preferable that an artwork is allowed to uncurl naturally before being framed. An un-framed artwork should otherwise be kept in a flat file.

Can you organise framing for an artwork?

We have access to a selection of very reputable conservation quality framers and will be happy to organise framing for your artwork. We do not take a fee for this service.

How should I frame my artwork?

We’d encourage you to frame artwork to conservation standards using a reputable framer. Choosing a sympathetic frame can drastically change the look and feel of an artwork for the better. We are always happy to offer our recommendations.

How can I ensure the artwork remains in pristine condition during its lifetime

Unfortunately many great artworks been permanently damaged over the years due to being kept in inadequate conditions. To avoid sunlight discoloration, use UV protected glazing for your artwork and keep away from a direct light source. Do not hang artwork close to a heat source or an area of high moisture. Paper can be very sensitive to moisture and is susceptible to damp. Finally ensure artwork is hung according to the weight of the piece using high quality fixtures.

Do you offer art-sourcing services?

We have access to a rich network of Japanese galleries, dealers, and private collectors, so if you are looking for a particular artwork for your collection, please contact us.

Do you offer consignment on works?

We have experience in being able to carefully match artworks with collectors and do so at our client’s discretion. If you have an artwork of significant quality, that you would like us to consign, please contact us.

Screenprint

A screenprint is a print that has been created using a technique of applying and pressing colours through a stencil. Screenprints are more commonly used by urban artists to highlight the depth and grittiness of their work.

Lithograph

A lithograph is a print that has been created using the lithography printed process. Lithograph prints are used because they produce stunning colour and detail.

Glicee

A Glicee prints is a print professionally produced using a high quality ink-jet printer. Glicee prints are used in fine art because the results they produce are incredibly rich and detailed. They are generally offered in smaller editions to lithographs.

Edition

Artists will produce a limited number of prints in what is called an 'edition'. An edition of 300 for example will dictate that there is a limit of 300 prints produced for that artwork. Editions are signed and numbered by the artist.

Hand-finished

hand-finished print is more commonly produced by urban artists. Screenprints lend themselves to allow additional layering and an artist may apply hand finishing to make each artwork unique and more interesting.

Original artwork

An original artwork is a piece of art that is unique and a one-off - I.e. a 1 of 1. Original artworks may come in many forms such as canvases, sculptures, drawings and so on.