Shu Fli Pi
Bob Giese (American, 1927–2010)
A kabuki-inspired actor portrait with a tiny fly placed on the sitter’s nose; the title appears to function as a phonetic visual pun on “Shoo Fly Pie.”
Museum Identification
Curator & Research
Curator Notes
The tiny fly on the figure’s nose and the phonetic title make this the clearest example of Giese’s humorous reinterpretation of Japanese theatrical imagery.
Research Notes
The work combines Japanese ukiyo-e and theatrical visual conventions with Bob Giese's contemporary American humor. A documented Giese work with a closely related humorous Japanese subject, Kabuki Barbeque, was cataloged at auction as a serigraph, signed, numbered and titled in the same lower-margin format. The precise print process of this sheet remains provisional pending direct examination or original documentation.
Provenance
Acquired by the BlazerQuest Curator as part of a three-work Bob Giese group. Earlier ownership history is presently undocumented.
Appraisal & Authentication
Updated Preliminary Appraisal
FMV $75–$175Insurance / replacement estimate: $200–$300.
Allocated acquisition cost, if divided equally among the three works: approximately $6.67.
The appraisal is intentionally conservative because Giese's secondary market is thin. Signed-numbered presentation, professional framing, condition and subject appeal support the range.
Authentication / Documentation
The artist's pencil signature, edition notation and handwritten title are visible on the work. No independent certificate of authenticity is presently recorded.
Original appraisal and authentication documentation maintained by the Museum and available upon request.
Collector Inquiry
If interested in acquiring this artwork, contact Museum Curator:
Bob Blaser
(602) 918-4290
bblaser28@gmail.com
An inquiry does not imply that the artwork is currently offered for sale. Availability and acquisition terms are determined by the Museum Curator.
Confidence & Gaps
High confidence: Bob Giese pencil signature, handwritten title, edition number and professionally framed limited-edition presentation. Moderate confidence: serigraph medium. Unknown: publisher, exact date, printer, complete provenance and original retail price.