Due to the extremely limited print run and subsequent legal actions, Portraits of Jennie photobooks have become some of the most expensive and sought-after items in the history of Japanese publishing. Each volume is highly rare and valuable. For example, volumes currently list for around ¥13,200 (approximately $85 USD or £70 GBP) each, but actual market values are significantly higher, with complete sets selling for thousands of dollars.
In November 2023, the piece was purchased by a private collector in Kyoto for $4.8 million USD—then immediately donated to the , where it currently holds a permanent rotating display (the work is so sensitive to light that it is only shown for 15 minutes every 108 minutes).
Physical editions of the Portraits of Jennie series are exceptionally scarce today.
The .108 version is known to have a specific "flaw": a single pixel of chartreuse green buried in the seventh layer of the left iris. That pixel is not visible to the naked eye. But it is there. And Rikitake has publicly stated that he will never remove it. It is his signature—a tiny, digital kintsugi gold, repairing the crack between Jennie the ghost and Jennie the pigment. Portraits Of Jennie By Yasushi Rikitake.108
The portraits of Jennie by Yasushi Rikitake.108 are instantly recognizable, thanks to his distinctive artistic style. Characterized by bold lines, vivid colors, and an emphasis on capturing the subtleties of expression, Rikitake's work is a testament to his skill and creativity. His use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to his portraits, creating a sense of three-dimensionality that draws the viewer in. Whether he's depicting Jennie in a casual, everyday setting or in a more dramatic, high-fashion pose, Rikitake's artistic style is both captivating and unforgettable.
This photography series should not be confused with the 1948 supernatural romance film Portrait of Jennie
The story follows an artist, Eben Adams, who meets a mysterious young girl named Jennie Appleton in Central Park. As their encounters continue, Jennie ages and matures rapidly, suggesting she is a ghost or a figure existing outside normal time. The tale explores themes of: Due to the extremely limited print run and
Yasushi Rikitake established himself as a prominent figure in Japan's adult contemporary photography scene by treating glamour, nude, and erotic portraiture with the precision of classic studio fine art.
Before the "Jennie" series, Rikitake was known for his "Vanishing Tokyo" collection—paintings of neon-lit alleyways dissolving into fog. However, in 2016, he discovered a deteriorating film reel of the 1948 classic Portrait of Jennie (directed by William Dieterle, starring Jennifer Jones). The film, which tells the story of a man who falls in love with a ghost moving backwards through time, triggered a creative seizure in Rikitake.
Yasushi Rikitake, a skilled Japanese artist, has been making waves in the art world with his stunning portraits of Jennie, a talented singer, rapper, and dancer from the K-pop group BLACKPINK. Born with a passion for art, Rikitake has honed his skills over the years, developing a unique style that blends traditional and modern techniques. His fascination with portraiture, particularly with capturing the essence of his subjects, has led him to create breathtaking works of art that have captivated fans globally. In November 2023, the piece was purchased by
is a celebrated vintage photo book series by the prominent Japanese erotic photographer Yasushi Rikitake . Known globally for his expansive contributions to Japanese adult photography, glamour imagery, and photobooks (often distributed via digital platforms like Rikitake.com), Rikitake’s work focuses heavily on aesthetic composition, natural lighting, and distinct thematic series. The designation "108" typically specifies a precise set, image number, or digital gallery identifier within his massive online archive .
The name "Jennie" serves as a thematic muse. The title draws romantic, ethereal inspiration from the classic Western novella and film Portrait of Jennie .
The ".108" portrait of Jennie by Yasushi Rikitake is a remarkable piece that showcases the artist's technical skill and creative vision. Through its captivating composition, bold linework, and thoughtful use of color, the portrait invites the viewer to engage with Jennie's enigmatic presence. As a standalone piece or part of the larger "Portraits of Jennie" series, ".108" is a testament to Rikitake's artistry and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
I will cite the sources I have accessed, including the Japanese Wikipedia page for "ジェニー達の肖像" and the Wikipedia page for the film.