Flowers of a Hundred Worlds (Momoyogusa): Chrysanthemum Boy (Kikujidō) - Kamisaka Sekka

A classic woodblock print from the 'Momoyogusa' series, depicting the legendary Chrysanthemum Boy amidst a field of golden flowers in the modern Rinpa style.

This woodblock print originates from the celebrated collection 'Momoyogusa' (Flowers of a Hundred Worlds), published between 1909 and 1910. Kamisaka Sekka, a master of the modern Rinpa school, created these images to bridge traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design sensibilities. The work depicts Kikujidō, the legendary Chrysanthemum Boy, a figure from Japanese folklore known for his eternal youth, which he maintains by drinking dew from chrysanthemum petals.

Sekka employs a flat, graphic approach that prioritises bold colour fields and simplified forms over realistic shading. The figure of the boy is rendered in a soft, flowing posture, draped in a garment patterned with floral motifs. The composition is dominated by the mass of yellow chrysanthemums, which are depicted as rounded, cloud-like shapes. This stylisation is characteristic of the Rinpa tradition, which often emphasises decorative patterns and the rhythmic arrangement of natural elements. The dark, ink-washed areas provide a stark contrast to the bright yellow flowers and the pale, serene face of the youth.

By utilising the woodblock medium, Sekka achieves a clean, precise quality in his lines. The print avoids unnecessary detail, focusing instead on the harmony between the human figure and the botanical subject. This piece reflects the artist's ability to reinterpret classical themes for a new century, maintaining the spirit of the Edo-period masters while adopting a modern, minimalist clarity. The work is a fine example of early twentieth-century Japanese graphic art, demonstrating a sophisticated balance of colour and negative space that remains visually arresting today.