Flowers of a Hundred Worlds (Momoyogusa): Court Guard (Eishi) - Kamisaka Sekka

A woodblock print from the Momoyogusa series by Kamisaka Sekka, depicting a court guard sweeping maple leaves with fluid, calligraphic brushwork.

This woodblock print originates from the collection titled Momoyogusa, or Flowers of a Hundred Worlds, published in Kyoto between 1909 and 1910. Kamisaka Sekka was a central figure in the revival of the Rinpa school during the early twentieth century. His work bridges traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design sensibilities.

The image depicts a court guard, identified as Eishi, engaged in the act of sweeping fallen maple leaves. The composition is sparse, relying on negative space to focus the viewer on the rhythmic motion of the figure. Sekka employs a calligraphic line quality, where the brushwork is fluid and economical. The figure is rendered with minimal detail, yet the posture conveys a sense of quiet concentration.

The colour palette is restrained, featuring a warm, ochre-toned background that contrasts with the stark black of the guard's cap and the broom. The bright red maple leaves scattered across the foreground provide a singular point of visual interest. This print demonstrates the Rinpa school's preference for decorative simplicity and the integration of natural motifs into human narratives. Unlike the more crowded compositions found in contemporary ukiyo-e, Sekka opts for a balanced arrangement that prioritises clarity and form. The print reflects the artist's training in traditional painting techniques, adapted for the medium of woodblock printing. It is a representative example of how Sekka synthesised historical Japanese art forms with the requirements of early modern graphic design, creating works that remain accessible and visually coherent.