Flowers of a Hundred Worlds (Momoyogusa): Oxherd (Bokudo) - Kamisaka Sekka

A woodblock print from the 'Momoyogusa' series by Kamisaka Sekka, featuring a minimalist composition of an oxherd and his ox.

This woodblock print is a plate from the collection titled 'Momoyogusa', or 'Flowers of a Hundred Worlds', published in 1909. Kamisaka Sekka was a central figure in the revival of the Rinpa school during the early twentieth century. His work synthesises traditional Japanese aesthetic principles with modern design sensibilities.

The composition depicts an oxherd playing a flute, seated beside a large, dark ox. Sekka employs a minimalist approach, using bold, flat planes of colour to define the figures. The ox is rendered in deep, solid black ink, which contrasts with the lighter, cream-coloured background. The oxherd wears a blue garment, providing a clear chromatic break from the surrounding dark tones. The lines are simplified and direct, avoiding unnecessary detail to focus on the silhouette and the interaction between the two subjects.

Sekka was commissioned by the Japanese government to travel to Europe in 1901, where he observed the Art Nouveau movement. This experience influenced his approach to design, encouraging him to simplify forms while maintaining the decorative quality inherent in the Rinpa tradition. 'Momoyogusa' is widely regarded as his most ambitious project, demonstrating his ability to adapt historical motifs for a contemporary audience. The print reflects a balance between the narrative subject matter and the graphic potential of the woodblock medium. The lack of complex shading or perspective is characteristic of Sekka's mature style, where the arrangement of shapes on the page takes precedence over realistic representation. This print serves as an example of how traditional Japanese woodblock techniques were adapted to suit the aesthetic preferences of the early twentieth century, resulting in a clean, graphic appearance that remains visually effective.