If you work anywhere near an IT department or if you have even a passing interest in cryptocurrency, chances are you’ve at least heard of blockchain by now. It’s essentially a way for multiple devices within a peer-to-peer network to maintain accurate and historical records of all interactions/transactions occurring within that network. This type of record keeping is often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. With that idea in mind, it didn’t take long for organizations uninvolved with cryptocurrency to stick their hands in the pie too. One of the latest forays into this technology comes in the form of Anique, an online service that uses blockchain technology to facilitate the sale and exchange of digital artwork.
As the team behind the service describes, the usage of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) will give the following privileges to owners of this artwork:
- A record of each owner (by name) will be associated with all artwork, even if an owner sells it
- Owners will be able to order physical copies printed in a style similar to traditional cel animation
- Limited to one piece only
- Owners will be able to sell their artwork on the platform as well
- Some proceeds from this will go to the original artwork producers
Additionally, those who choose to purchase artwork through Anique will be given access to special, related content such as rough drafts and concept art. The digital artwork available through the service will include content from Japanese anime, manga, and video games. It will not be limited to just current or popular titles, but will instead source pieces from this decade as well as “sleeping treasures” from decades past.
Anique’s sales are being run much in the same way as a normal art auction. Art is being distributed in waves with applications being made available during certain release windows for potential buyers to fill out for a chance to win. The current batch of artwork includes 26 licensed pieces from Attack on Titan. Each piece is priced at ¥10,000 (roughly $91 USD as of today). That price includes just the digital copy. If you win a listed piece and would like to purchase a physical, framed copy as well, the entire sale (excluding tax & shipping) will run you ¥60,000 or $545 USD. The current application window runs from today until May 20th at 12 PM JST. Winners will be announced after May 27,2019. For more information or to fill out an application, head over to Anique’s official website. Also, be sure to let us know you thoughts on all of this in the comments below.
SOURCE: Press Release
