Bruce Lee fans who are looking for the ultimate piece of memorabilia can rejoice as the martial arts legend's iconic yellow jumpsuit will go up for auction this week. Fans will have a chance to bid for it at the Hong Kong auction along with a collection of 14 items including clothing, props, original film footage and more.
The yellow track suit was worn by Lee in the film "Game of Death" before he died at the age of 32 in 1973 due to a reaction to pain medication. The actor, stuntman and martial arts expert passed away before the film was complete resulting in an incomplete version hitting theaters that year followed by a feature-length version culled together with footage filmed after his death in 1978.
According to Spink auction house, via USA Today, the yellow jumpsuit is expected to fetch more than $32,000. It was custom-made for Lee by a Hong Kong tailor but is smaller than its original size having been shrunk by about 15 centimeters when it was washed after the filming of the movie, according to the auction house's vice chairman, Anna Lee.
The former star gave the items in the auction to his friend and former student Taky Kimura, who later sold them to a private collector. Now, in order to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bruce Lee's death, the collector is putting them up for auction.
Other props from the film, "Game of Death," include a pair of yellow lacquered wooden nunchaku, which are expected to fetch anywhere between $26,000 to $38,700 and a bamboo whip with an estimated value of $9,000 to $10,000. All those who purchase an item at the auction will receive a certificate of authenticity from Kimura.
Tell us what you think. Is there a specific item of Bruce Lee's that you'd like to have in your fan collection? What's your favorite film from Lee? Comment and share your thoughts with us below and watch the video of some of Lee's martial arts work.
