Takashi Murakami
(Japanese, b. 1962)
And Then Ichimatsu Pattern DOB
2006
Offset lithograph with metallic cold-stamp gold and silver foil
Signed, dated, and numbered from the edition of 300 in ink
Sheet: 26.8 × 26.8 in. (68.0 × 68.0 cm)
Publisher: Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., Tokyo
Executed in 2006, And Then Ichimatsu Pattern DOB is an iconic and highly sought-after print featuring Takashi Murakami’s famous alter ego, Mr. DOB. Tilted dynamically within the composition, DOB’s expressive, morphing face is set against a shimmering background featuring a traditional Japanese Ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern in metallic gold and silver foil. Published in a limited edition of 300, the work showcases Murakami's signature fusion of historical Japanese motif and high-gloss contemporary pop aesthetics.
The title refers to Murakami’s landmark "Superflat" methodology, which flattens the distinction between fine art and commercial design. By placing Mr. DOB onto an Ichimatsu grid—a geometric pattern popularized during Tokyo's Edo period—Murakami pays direct homage to historical Japanese screen printing and textile arts while delivering a vibrant, modern Pop icon. Produced under Murakami's strict supervision at Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., the precise integration of metallic foil stamping gives the print a luxurious, light-reflective quality on the wall.
As one of the most celebrated and globally recognized contemporary artists, Takashi Murakami holds a PhD in traditional Nihonga painting from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Over his four-decade career, he has seamlessly bridged high art, fashion, and international pop culture, collaborating with world-renowned fashion houses and pop icons while mounting monumental exhibitions across the globe. Today, Murakami’s groundbreaking paintings, sculptures, and editioned prints are preserved in the permanent collections of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Major Accolades & Recognition:
Named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People"
Landmark retrospective solo exhibition, ©MURAKAMI, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles / MOCA (2007; traveled to Brooklyn Museum, MMK Frankfurt, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao)
Historic solo exhibition at the Château de Versailles, France (2010)
Founder and President, Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. (Tokyo / New York)
Major solo survey exhibitions at the Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)
Selected Permanent Collections:
The Museum of Modern Art / MoMA (New York, NY)
Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles / MOCA (Los Angeles, CA)
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Bilbao, Spain)
Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (Seoul, South Korea)
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Boston, MA)
PinchukArtCentre (Kyiv, Ukraine)
Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art (Brisbane, Australia)
Takashi Murakami
(Japanese, b. 1962)
And Then Ichimatsu Pattern DOB
2006
Offset lithograph with metallic cold-stamp gold and silver foil
Signed, dated, and numbered from the edition of 300 in ink
Sheet: 26.8 × 26.8 in. (68.0 × 68.0 cm)
Publisher: Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., Tokyo
Executed in 2006, And Then Ichimatsu Pattern DOB is an iconic and highly sought-after print featuring Takashi Murakami’s famous alter ego, Mr. DOB. Tilted dynamically within the composition, DOB’s expressive, morphing face is set against a shimmering background featuring a traditional Japanese Ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern in metallic gold and silver foil. Published in a limited edition of 300, the work showcases Murakami's signature fusion of historical Japanese motif and high-gloss contemporary pop aesthetics.
The title refers to Murakami’s landmark "Superflat" methodology, which flattens the distinction between fine art and commercial design. By placing Mr. DOB onto an Ichimatsu grid—a geometric pattern popularized during Tokyo's Edo period—Murakami pays direct homage to historical Japanese screen printing and textile arts while delivering a vibrant, modern Pop icon. Produced under Murakami's strict supervision at Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., the precise integration of metallic foil stamping gives the print a luxurious, light-reflective quality on the wall.
As one of the most celebrated and globally recognized contemporary artists, Takashi Murakami holds a PhD in traditional Nihonga painting from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Over his four-decade career, he has seamlessly bridged high art, fashion, and international pop culture, collaborating with world-renowned fashion houses and pop icons while mounting monumental exhibitions across the globe. Today, Murakami’s groundbreaking paintings, sculptures, and editioned prints are preserved in the permanent collections of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Major Accolades & Recognition:
Named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People"
Landmark retrospective solo exhibition, ©MURAKAMI, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles / MOCA (2007; traveled to Brooklyn Museum, MMK Frankfurt, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao)
Historic solo exhibition at the Château de Versailles, France (2010)
Founder and President, Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. (Tokyo / New York)
Major solo survey exhibitions at the Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)
Selected Permanent Collections:
The Museum of Modern Art / MoMA (New York, NY)
Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles / MOCA (Los Angeles, CA)
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Bilbao, Spain)
Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (Seoul, South Korea)
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Boston, MA)
PinchukArtCentre (Kyiv, Ukraine)
Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art (Brisbane, Australia)
