(Japanese, 1916- ) Stencil print of [Ainu] (indigenous) man, woman and bear of Northern Japan, 1966, signed “Kichiemon Okamura 1966” at the bottom with red seal in left corner, 23 x 21 in.; cherry wood frame. Condition: minor loss at right-center bottom, owner-framed, floating on acid-free linen mat. Notes: The Ainu are part of a larger collective of indigenous people who practice “arctolatry” or bear worship, which explains the iconography. Okamura Kichiemon was both an academic and artist specializing in print, fabric and ceramics. His art was exhibited internationally, and he was the author of numerous books including [Folk Arts and Crafts of Japan] by Weathershell/Heibonsha, first printed in 1973, copy included with this lot. Prof. Bennett probably collected this print on a later trip to Japan in the 1960s. Please Note: Brunk Auctions provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, materials or any other feature of items being sold. No statement written or oral made by the auctioneer shall be deemed a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions or by any seller represented by Brunk Auctions. We are happy to provide additional photographs to aid in your decision. We do not give refunds.. Provenance: Collection of Prof. John W. Bennett; Collection of Commander USNR (Ret.) Wayne S. and Mrs. Lydia B. Shiver, Asheboro, North Carolina minor loss at right-center bottom, owner-framed, floating on acid-free linen mat