Chrysanthemum and Paulownia - Kamisaka Sekka

A refined woodblock print from the 'Momoyogusa' collection, featuring a bold contrast between dark foliage and delicate floral outlines.

This woodblock print originates from the celebrated collection 'Momoyogusa', or 'Flowers of a Hundred Worlds', published in Kyoto between 1909 and 1910. Kamisaka Sekka, a leading figure of the modern Rinpa school, produced these volumes to revitalise traditional Japanese decorative aesthetics for a new century. The work demonstrates his ability to synthesise historical motifs with a simplified, modern graphic sensibility.

The composition balances bold, dark forms against delicate, light-filled areas. A large, ink-black leaf dominates the right side of the frame, its surface marked by fine, dark veins. This heavy shape provides a stark contrast to the pale, circular outlines of the chrysanthemum blossoms on the left. Above, clusters of light purple paulownia flowers hang from green foliage, rendered with a fluid, watercolour-like application of pigment. The background remains a neutral, warm tone, allowing the interplay of colour and negative space to define the visual experience.

Sekka was instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional Japanese craft and modern design. His approach often involved reducing natural forms to their essential shapes, a technique evident in the clean lines and flat colour planes seen here. By stripping away unnecessary detail, he focused on the rhythm and balance of the botanical subjects. This print reflects the refined sensibilities of the Kyoto art scene during the Meiji and Taisho periods, where artists sought to preserve the essence of classical Japanese art while embracing contemporary design principles. The result is a work that feels both ancient in its subject matter and modern in its execution.