Yasuo Kuniyoshi ( 1889 - 1953 ) was a Japanese painter. Yasuo Kuniyoshi s works have been put up for auction numerous times, with realized prices surpassing estimated prices, varying from 1554 USD for Circus Performer Balanced on a Ball in 2003 to 204000 USD for The Clown in 2005 , based on the size and medium of the artwork.