Odessa American in Odessa, Texas

Japanese snap up works of little known French artists

Japanese buyers flock to Paris galleries seeking works by obscure French artists as Americans once did. Gallery owner Kiyoyuki Tamenaga notes the market favors pieces resembling traveler's checks and warns of fakes. He employs an art detective, collects and showcases works in Japan, and points to Foujita as a sought after painter likely to fetch traveler’s checks in value.