“The key to successful collaborations is a passion for creating great works.”
—Hitoshi KidoHitoshi Kido’s illustrious career in printmaking spans decades and continents, including collaborations with iconic artists from Robert Rauschenberg to James Rosenquist. With expertise in intaglio, lithography, and photogravure, Kido has risen to the forefront of his field, masterfully balancing tradition with innovation. After discovering his passion for printmaking at Musashino Art University, he began his career at the legendary print publishers Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) in New York. Rising to the role of Master Printer, Kido spent nearly a decade at ULAE working alongside renowned artists, including Jasper Johns, Carroll Dunham, and Kiki Smith.
Hitoshi Kido and John Lund working at ULAE, Park Avenue, New York, 1984. Image courtesy of Universal Limited Art Editions. Returning to Tokyo in the early 2000s, Kido established KIDO Press Gallery in Shinkawa, Cho-ku, in 2003. Merging creativity and technique to form a haven for contemporary printmaking, the studio has grown to become KIDO Press Gallery, regularly holding special exhibitions of contemporary art. Its program showcases both established and emerging Japanese artists while introducing leading Western artists to Japanese audiences. Through dedication to collaboration, KIDO Press Gallery continues to push the boundaries of printmaking, nurturing a vibrant gallery space where artists and skilled printers bring ambitious projects to life.
Hitoshi Kido. Our February Editions sale will feature printer’s proofs from Kido’s time as a Master Printer at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE). On the occasion of the sale, Kido spoke to Phillips about his career trajectory, creative process, and top tips for artistic collaboration; the interview can be read here.
Literature
Universal Limited Art Editions 256
Artist Biography
Jasper Johns
American • 1930
Jasper Johns is a painter and printmaker who holds a foundational place in twentieth century art history. Quoting the evocative gestural brushstroke of the Abstract Expressionists, Johns represented common objects such as flags, targets, masks, maps and numbers: He sought to explore things "seen and not looked at, not examined" in pictorial form. Drawing from common commercial and 'readymade' objects, such as newspaper clippings, Ballantine Ale and Savarin Coffee cans, Johns was a bridge to Pop, Dada and Conceptual art movements.
Beyond the historical significance, each work by Johns is individually considered in sensuous form. A curiosity of medium led him to employ a range of materials from encaustic and commercial house paint to lithography, intaglio and lead relief.
Property from the Collection of KIDO Press, Tokyo
78
Lot offered with No Reserve
Untitled (U.L.A.E. 256)
1992
Etching and aquatint in colors, on handmade Echizen Shiro-Torinoko paper, with full margins.
I. 35 1/2 x 45 in. (90.2 x 114.3 cm)
S. 43 1/2 x 52 1/2 in. (110.5 x 133.4 cm)
Signed, dated and numbered 'P.P. 2/2' in pencil (a printer's proof, the edition was 50 and 15 artist's proofs), published by Universal Limited Art Editions, West Islip, New York (with their blindstamp), unframed.
Estimate
$3,000 - 5,000 •
Sold for $4,445
Editions & Works on Paper
New York Auction 12 February 2025
10
This lot is no longer available.
149
This lot is no longer available.
