Born in the Asakusa section of Tokyo to a middle class family, Shiro Kasamatsu started his art studies at a young age. In 1911 he studied Japanese style painting under Kaburagi Kiyokatahe.  He is one of the most highly respected of the Shin Hanga artists.  His designs were mainly of landscapes, but also included bijin-ga (female beauty), interiors, and Noh masks (one of his particular interests).  He worked with two publishers before going independent carving and printing his own designs in limited, numbered editions.  

Shirō produced about 290 prints during his life.

Images:  Courtesy of various sources.

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