A Thousand Grasses; Sekka Japanese Woodblock Print (03/28/2007)

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A Thousand Grasses; Sekka Japanese Woodblock Print

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A Thousand Grasses; Sekka Japanese Woodblock Print

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Sold Date: 03/28/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

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Kamisaka Sekka (1866 - 1942) Original Japanese Woodblock Print
Fine Original from Sekka's Series
A Thousand Grasses (Chigusa)

A Modern Master- Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942) is regarded as the father of modern design in Japan. Born in Kyoto, Sekka pursued his artistic studies at the age of sixteen and traveled to Europe at the turn of the century. His trip to Europe proved pivotal in developing his aesthetic; studying the European tradition of industrial design, Sekka was influenced by the place of design in everyday life. During his time in Europe, Sekka also studied the decorative art tradition of Rimpa.
The Rimpa Tradition- Dating back to the 17th century, Rimpa was characterized by using flat planes of vivid color to create one-dimensional perspectives. The work is further known for abstract compositions and the use of mineral pigments (mica), gold and silver leaf, and embossing embellishments. Sekka's compositions are known for the integration of the classical symbols and motifs of both Japanese tales and traditions, thus distinguishing him as the final master of a Japanese tradition that stretched 300 years.
Detail of this Print

Fine Original from Sekka's Series
A Thousand Grasses (Chigusa)

This Original, Sekka Woodblock Print from his series "A Thousand Grasses"- An incredible Kamisaka Sekka design from his fantastic series titled "Chigusa" which translates to "A Thousand Grasses". This print and the others offered in our auctions tonight are from the thousand grasses series design by Sekka in 1899. Our original prints are from the second edition release of the series.
Sekka's two masterworks series are "A World of Things" and this series "A Thousand Grasses". The designs in these two fantastic series represent the pinnacle of Sekka's career and the quintessential designs in the Rimpa tradition. Our original Sekka prints offered tonight are printed using the highest quality printing techniques and embellishments (some with mica others with embossing, etc). Sekka woodblock prints are very rare these days and our offerings this evening are a great opportunity to collect works by this 20th century master. Surf the net, Sekka prints are usually offered in the $500 to $1,500 range.

Notable Characterstics of this print- A beautiful design and one of the masterworks from the series. Bridge in rich, shimmering gold mica, wave patterns in silver mica, excellent saturated color. Amazing!
Artist- Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942)
Size- 14" x 9 1/4"
Condition- This and all the Sekka prints offered in tonight's auctions are in excellent condition. The prints have no damage, tears, holes, repairs, staining, toning, fading or any other issues to report. They are top-notch 20th century woodblock prints in perfect condition. Having been removed from a folio, these prints show some remnants of extra paper or slight thinning along the reverse edges from the removal process (see photos). This is usually the case with Sekka prints (as they were always sold in folios) and has no effect on the value or the image from the front (cannot be seen from the front). As noted, these fine prints are in very g...