kappazuri-e (stencil print), pencil signed in the lower margin: 2/19, 胡蝶 (Butterfly), Hiromitsu, presented under glass with double mats in a gilt wood frame.

Frame dimensions 18 3/4 x 37 3/4 in.; Sight size 10 x 28 1/2 in.

Private Collection, Japan and Florida Private Collection, Japan and Florida

Tolman Collection, Tokyo

Takahashi Hiromitsu creates bold colorful compositions of characters from Kabuki theater in the kappazuri (stencil printing) technique to preserve the past and keep tradition alive. He grew up in Tokyo, in a family steeped in traditional Japanese art. Both of his parents were full time artists, they were both print-makers and his mother was also a textile artist and weaver. Hiromitsu was especially close to his mother and has fond memories of going to see Kabuki plays with her during his boyhood. Never intending to become an artist himself, he received an undergraduate degree in law and worked as a salesman for Sanrio. However, he realized when his parents were printing for artist Mori Yoshitoshi, how create art using the kappazuri (stencil printing) technique and I wanted to keep that tradition going, and he has almost exclusively for almost 40 years creating small editions of stencil printed prints inspired by Japanese theater and history.

Excellent condition; not examined outside of the frame.