Rupert Jasen Smith was born in the United States in the 1950s and pursued the path of art from a young age. Having studied art education, he dedicated himself to the art of printmaking.
Highly acclaimed for his expertise in silkscreen printing, Smith met Andy Warhol in the mid-1970s.
Although initially working as a printer at a print workshop, his exceptional talent and masterful silkscreen technique quickly gained recognition, leading to his deep involvement in the creation of Warhol’s artwork. In 1977, he officially became Warhol’s master printer and art director. Smith was also an accomplished artist in his own right, creating a substantial body of unique work.
Particularly noteworthy is his technique of incorporating fine-grained diamond dust into his silkscreen prints. While this technique is widely recognized for its use in Andy Warhol’s works, Smith applied it even more extensively in his own creations, bestowing them with a distinct, captivating radiance.
■ The Japan Series
In the final years of Andy Warhol’s life, a series of works inspired by Japanese corporations and culture was actively in development.
Following Warhol’s passing, Rupert Jasen Smith carried on his vision to bring ‘The Japan Series’ to completion. This series features iconic Japanese motifs—including Shiseido, the Sony Walkman, Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), and Sayoko Yamaguchi, as presented in the highlighted work—all beautifully accented with scattering diamond dust that catches the light.
The piece introduced here is not a standard edition, but a Trial Proof (TP).
Featuring a one-of-a-kind color scheme created exclusively for this print, it is a truly exceptional piece. For collectors who appreciate this specific palette, it is an opportunity not to be missed.
We warmly invite you to consider adding this masterpiece to your collection.
*Please note: While the reference image below shows reflections on the acrylic glass, the actual framed artwork is strikingly vivid and beautiful.
Viewing is also available in person at our gallery in Tokyo. If you would like to schedule a viewing, please feel free to reach out.
Additionally, if visiting us is difficult, we would be delighted to send you high-resolution images or extra details upon request.
Rupert Jasen Smith
Japan Project, HOMMAGE to ANDY WARHOL – Portfolio of 10
Screenprint with diamond dust
Astroboy; Seiko – Sportswatch; Sony-Walkman; Issey Miyake – Ads; Kirin Beer-Label; Honda-Ads in US Campaign; Nikon-AF/N8008; and Namco-Packman: Artist signed and numbered
Andy Warhol-Self Portrait: Artist signed
Shiseido-Sayoko Yamaguchi: Unsigned and unnumbered
Each TP Edition of 30
Each 91.5 x 91.5 cm (36 x 36 in)
1989
Publisher: Galerie Sho, Tokyo
[20260624S01]
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Delivery 4 to 6 weeks
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