Superb full-length portrait sketch by John Lennon of Lennon and Yoko, 7.75 x 10.75, signed in black felt tip, “John Lennon 79” and “Yoko Ono,” Ono adding John’s name in Japanese characters. The drawing is on the blank page of a circa 1970s printing of the hardcover book An Atlas of Anatomy for Artists by Fritz Schider (New York, Dover Publications, Inc.). The consignor notes that the drawing and signatures were obtained in person by a Japanese priest at the temple of Chion-in during the Lennons’ incognito visit to Kyoto in the spring of 1979. An article on the priest and the book appeared in the December 8, 1983 issue of the Japanese newspaper Kyoto Shinbun. A few small and very faint, nearly invisible spots to blank portions of drawing, otherwise fine, clean condition. The addition of John’s name in Japanese by Yoko is quite unusual; and while Lennon’s “thumbnail” facial sketches of himself and Yoko are relatively obtainable, full-length drawings of this size and exhibiting this level of detail are of the greatest scarcity and desirability. A most coveted relic from this fabled musical duo! Auction LOA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA.
