This listing is for the rare Kamisaka Sekka Woodblock Print, Maple Leaves Over Bridge in Takao pictured above. This lovely woodblock was created by Sekka in 1899 and depicts a bridge in Takao (near Kyoto) surrounded by maple leaves. This may be a later impression of the first impression in 1899. I was unable to locate any impressions of this woodblock for sale! The woodblock measures about 13.5 inches long by 9.5 inches tall by sight. The frame measures 18 inches long by 15 inches tall. Condition: Framed behind glass. Slightly tilted in frame. Not examined outside of frame. Considered the father of Japanese modern design, Kamisaka Sekka was born in Kyoto in 1866 and began studying painting at the age of sixteen. A 1901 trip to the Paris International Exposition proved pivotal in his artistic career, leading to his study of modern European industrial design. Sekka became a master of the historic Japanese tradition known as Rimpa, combining this traditional Japanese aesthetic with his own innovations to create stunning designs that are both modern and timeless. Dating back to the seventeenth century, characteristics of the Rimpa school include the use of large planes of vivid color to create a flattened pictorial space, abstracted compositions, and the use of mica and gold and silver leaf. Sekka’s designs incorporate traditional Rimpa techniques and subjects, such as Japanese tales and nature scenes, with pioneering, more abstracted compositions and bright aniline dyes. In addition to paintings and woodblock prints, Sekka applied the Rimpa philosophy to decorative arts, including ceramics, lacquer ware, textiles, and screens, emphasizing the importance of beautiful design in everyday life. Sekka taught at the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts, influencing many younger artists and revitalizing traditional craft forms in Kyoto. The designs in these two fantastic series represent the pinnacle of Sekka’s career and are quintessential designs in the Rimpa tradition. The National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto presented the first comprehensive retrospective exhibit on Sekka in 2003, with the show traveling to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Birmingham Museum of Art in Alabama. Sekka is recognized as a master of modern design and a leader in 20th century Japanese art. Feel free to ask any questions! This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints”. The seller is “jarrettmccusker” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, Korea, South, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Republic of, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bolivia, Ecuador, Egypt, French Guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macau, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Peru, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Vietnam, Uruguay.
- Primary Material: Paper
- Color: Multi-Color
- Region of Origin: Japan
- Age: 1900-1940
- Maker: Kamisaka Sekka