Japanese modern(ist?) etching signed, framed at Kato Framing Toyko

Approx 14 x 18". Kind of a wild picture, already on my wall. It is signed, titled and numbered #36 of 100.

(Bit of water damage on the lower part of the matte --I'm aware of that.)

Any help with signature? First photos show entire signature, then a close up of last sig, first sig, and after that the title followed by Japanese characters.

 

I think I might have it:

Eiichi Shibuya

 

Maybe.... Sniped ! But I LOVE the picture ! http://www.artgallery.umd.edu/node/472

 

Its funny, I can look and look at the signature, but sometimes when I photograph it for the forums and post, I can see it differently. I googled "Shibu.... and it suggested Shibuya, then followed with a few more combinations. When I saw that double ii, I knew I was in business. Definitely the same artist.

I love the one in the link Johnny, the girl who called the flowers.

 

One other question to put out there.

This has a solid wood plank on the back (rather than just paper.)

Does anyone have experience removing something like that?

 

No obvious fastenings? Does it appear to be glued?

I would put it face down on a table, and try to insert a knife blade between backing and frame at a corner, and gently pry. I would use only the knife tip and keep it at the edge of the backing, because that's probably the limit of the fastening. Any stress should be on the backing, at least until you can see inside to get some sense of how the print is mounted. It's possible that it's mounted to the backing.

Bear in mind that I can't help tinkering with stuff like this, and it doesn't always turn out well. Proceed at your own risk.

Some of the modern glues seem impervious to things that work on the older ones.

 

I have a feeling this is going to be either really easy, or nearly impossible.

Warning noted, proceed at my own risk. Thanks.

Just looked again. Hard to tell whether the green tape is just holding the back piece on --that would be the best scenario, or glued --worse scenario.

We'll see!

Thanks.

 

I will say that the backing doesnt seem to have affected the work at all,so Id be inclined to leave it alone. They may have acid free matting between the board and the art.