Gauntlet Gallery — Kai & Sunny Print Index
Sycamore Seed (XL)
Summary
Sycamore Seed (XL) (2012) is a large-format Kai & Sunny screen print, hand-pulled in two colours — black and white stardust — on 100% cotton Somerset Tub Sized 420gsm. Framed in oak stained black at 120 x 170 cm and issued in an edition of just three, it is among the duo's rarest and most imposing botanical works.
Why It Matters
The sycamore seed, with its natural spiralling flight, is a perfect subject for Kai & Sunny's motion-driven line-work, bridging their bird-flight and flower series. At XL scale in an edition of three, this is a museum-scale statement piece rather than a domestic edition, and the 'stardust' glitter layer heightens its physical presence.
Collector Perspective
Only three exist, placing it at the top of the scarcity ladder for the duo. Its size means framing and condition are critical value drivers; the oak-stained black frame is integral to the presentation. Buyers should confirm the stardust surface is intact and that the 420gsm cotton stock shows no cockling from prior handling.
Historical Context
Produced during Kai & Sunny's most active flower-and-seed period around 2012, the XL format reflects their move toward large exhibition-scale editions on premium Somerset cotton. The seed motif extends the natural-flight theme that runs from their earlier Migration works into their botanical output.
FAQ
How rare is this print?
Extremely — the edition is only three impressions.
What is 'stardust'?
It refers to the glitter layer printed with the black ink, giving the surface a reflective texture.
How large is it framed?
120 x 170 cm, framed in oak stained black.
What does the 'XL' denote?
It marks this as the extra-large format of the Sycamore Seed motif.
About the Artist
Kai & Sunny are a London-based artistic duo, Kai Clements and Sunny Todd, who met at art college and have collaborated since the late 1990s. They are known for intricate, hand-drawn line work exploring nature, patterns, and the forces of the natural world, often rendered as flowing, wind-swept compositions. Beyond fine-art prints and installations, they have built a notable design career, including celebrated collaborations with author Ben Okri and cover artwork for Penguin's editions of J.G. Ballard. Their editions are published in tightly controlled runs and have been exhibited internationally.
Collecting Kai & Sunny at Gauntlet Gallery
What Kai & Sunny works should I collect?
Their signed, numbered silkscreen editions, often featuring metallic inks, blind embossing, and hand-finished detail, are the heart of the market. Foil and layered prints in small runs are especially collectible. Gauntlet Gallery selects pieces in pristine condition with crisp embossing and complete signing.
How is authenticity handled?
Kai & Sunny editions are offered with documented studio provenance and the duo's signature and numbering. We photograph the specific piece you will receive, including signature, edition number, and any embossing, so every detail is verifiable before you buy.
What drives value?
Small edition sizes, special finishes (foil, embossing, hand-work), condition, and provenance from a documented release drive value. Sold-out, low-numbered, and specially finished editions command the strongest premiums.