Iwata Sentarō

Born in Asakusa district of Tokyo. After failure of father’s business lived for a while in Kyoto. Studied yüzen design and dyeing. In 1919 returned to Tokyo and studied with Itö Shinsui. Began newspaper and magazine illustrating in 1920 with work appearing in Kuraku, Mainichi shinbun, and Shükan asahi. By 1930 he was a well-known illustrator. Formed the Federation of Publishing Artists (Shuppan Bijutsuka Rennmei) in 1950. Woodblocks of his works, including bijin-ga and dating 1930s-1970s, published by Shinbi Shoin, Takamizawa, Adachi, Katö Junji, and Watanabe Shözaburö. Sometimes used the signature Sentarö and a red circular seal with curved line through the center.

Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada, Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975

U.S.A.: University of Hawaii Press, 1992, Page 49