Amazingly Surprised by Ortaire de Coupigny
Ortaire de Coupigny’s Amazingly Surprised turns a tin can into an amusing yet striking portrait, where a single fish, painted in vivid blues, purples, greens, and flashes of magenta, appears wide-eyed, as if caught in an unexpected moment. The expression, emphasized by its open gaze and slightly curved mouth, creates a humorous sense of astonishment, amplified by the glowing hues that ripple across its textured form.
Coupigny’s signature technique of metal, wax, and pigments plays with perception—here, the translucent wax softens the fish’s form, giving it an almost dreamlike quality while preserving its striking color contrasts. The metallic gold frame of the tin enhances the composition’s richness, reinforcing the tension between containment and expression.
Adding to the scene is a hand-painted crab illustration on the wooden insert, signed by the artist. The crab, placed at the edge of the frame, seems to confront the fish—or perhaps it is the fish that has just noticed the crab. This small but clever detail introduces an additional layer of humor and interaction, transforming the piece into a whimsical underwater tableau.
For collectors of contemporary mixed-media art, Amazingly Surprised showcases Coupigny’s ability to merge playfulness, vibrant composition, and material innovation. The work exists between portraiture and abstraction, humor and craftsmanship, turning an everyday object into a charming, unexpected encounter.
Details and Dimensions
Sculpture : metal on aluminium / Wax / pigments / Epoxy / Wooden engraving.
Size : 10 cm x 16 cm x 3.5 cm.
One-of-a-kind artwork.
Signed by the artist.
2024
Ready to hang (See back picture).
No exposure to direct sun or above 50°C or above 122°F.
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Tax & Customs Information
Art San Gallery ensures that original artworks are shipped under Harmonized Tariff Codes 9701 (paintings, drawings, pastels) and 9703 (sculptures). Some countries do not charge import duties or VAT on these items, allowing for straightforward customs clearance without additional fees. Others may apply a reduced VAT rate for original artworks. Your purchase will be correctly classified to support a smooth delivery process.
Depending on the artwork, your order may be shipped either from France or from our gallery in Japan. For customers in the European Union (EU), shipments from France generally follow standard intra-European trade rules and may involve fewer customs formalities. Shipments from Japan, however, are treated as imports and may be subject to customs duties and VAT according to your local regulations. To help you plan your order with confidence, the shipping origin is indicated on each product page.
Please note that additional customs duties and local taxes may still apply to international orders, depending on your country's regulations. These charges are beyond our control and are assessed directly by your local customs office. Since customs policies vary significantly from country to country, we recommend checking with your local customs authorities to confirm any applicable duties or taxes for artworks shipped under Tariff Codes 9701 and 9703.
If you have any specific information or requirements that could help with your purchase, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist and ensure a smooth and enjoyable buying experience!
Return Policy
Return requests for original artworks (one-of-a-kind pieces) must be submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of delivery. Return requests received outside of this period will unfortunately not be accepted.
The return shipment must include the original Certificate of Authenticity provided with the order. Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs.
Refunds will be issued once the returned artwork has been received and inspected to ensure it is in its original condition.
Please note that returns cannot be accepted for any artwork that has been stretched, cropped, or otherwise altered after purchase.
If you need assistance with your return or have any questions, please feel free to contact us — we are here to help and to make the process as smooth as possible.
Shipping
We Offer Free Worldwide Shipping
Artworks and curated products are shipped via premium courier services, either from Japan or France, depending on the item's location. The shipping origin is specified on each product page.
From Japan (via EMS – Japan Post Express Mail Service or UPS)
To Japan (domestic): 1–3 business days
To Asia and Oceania: 3–6 business days
To the EU / USA / Canada: 5–7 business days
To South America / Africa: 7–14 business days
From France (via Chronopost, UPS, or equivalent express courier)
To the EU: 3–5 business days
To the USA / Canada: 5–10 business days
To Asia / Oceania: 7–10 business days
To South America / Africa: 7–14 business days
Delivery times may vary slightly due to customs clearance procedures or public holidays. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
