Tenchi in Tokyo celluloids

TENCHI IN TOKYO celluloids.
"Yugui" and Untitled.
Two acetates, one with drawing on the back.
Measurements: 23 x 26.5 cm (celluloids); 24.5 x 27 cm (back drawing).

Before the digital era, traditional Japanese animation (also known as anime) used the "cell animation" technique, which consisted of painting the frames meticulously by hand on sheets of acetate or celluloid. This method, predominant in animation before the advent of digital techniques, turned each celluloid into an original work of art, capturing a unique moment in the production of the series. The elaboration process was as follows: first the sketch was created and then inked on the acetate and painted by hand on this surface. The colors were applied to the back of the cell with acrylic or gouache paint, ensuring that the lines inked on the front remained sharp.

Due to their rarity and artistic value, these celluloids are not only coveted by collectors and fans of the most iconic series, but also represent a tangible testimony of the creative process of one of the most emblematic fields of animation and pop culture.