Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Deer," a panel from Kamisaka Sekka's seminal work *Momoyogusa–Flowers of a Hundred Generations*, is a masterclass in the traditional Japanese art form known as Rinpa, blended seamlessly with modern aesthetics. This particular piece portrays two serene and elegant deer set against a stylized, almost abstract landscape that is both minimalist and highly evocative.

In the painting, both deer are depicted with a remarkable economy of line and form, which is characteristic of Sekka's work. Their limbs, determinedly slender and elongated, offer a sense of grace and subtle dynamism. One deer stands with its head gently inclined, while the other is in a grazing posture, emphasizing tranquility and the bonds of nature.

The background is a mosaic of softly blurred and muted tones, which might include pastel greens, earthy browns, and hints of soft whites, evoking a misty, early morning scene in a Japanese forest or meadow. The use of space is deliberate; Sekka employs a great deal of negative space around the deer, lending them prominence and almost mystical importance. The composition is fluid yet deliberately balanced, adhering to the wmstyle principles of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Sekka’s use of *tarashikomi* (dropping ink or pigment onto a wet surface), a hallmark of Rinpa painting, creates a nuanced blending of colors and textures, enhancing the ethereal quality of the scene. This technique results in subtle variations and delicate contrasts that evoke the natural world with poetic simplicity.

His brushwork is both expressive and controlled. The contours of the deer are defined by sleek, confident strokes, highlighting their sinewy forms, while their fur is suggested through delicate, almost calligraphic lines. The serene and almost meditative tone of the image invites contemplation and introspection.

Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942) was a seminal figure in Japanese art, often regarded as the last great proponent of the Rinpa school. He played a pivotal role in the revitalization and modern reinterpretation of traditional Japanese artistic styles during the Meiji to Taishō periods. His works, including *Momoyogusa*, are celebrated for their seamless synthesis of classical Japanese aesthetics with modern design sensibilities.

Sekka’s *Momoyogusa* is a testament to his mastery of traditional Japanese painting techniques while incorporating elements of modernity. This fusion places him within the broader movement of *Nihonga*, which sought to reassert the relevance of traditional Japanese painting in an era increasingly dominated by Western influences.

The original works of *Momoyogusa–Flowers of a Hundred Generations* are held in esteemed collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago and various institutions in Japan that preserve and showcase Japanese arts and crafts. These institutions recognize the enduring significance of Sekka's contributions to both the preservation and evolution of Japanese art.

- The *Momoyogusa* series is notable for its breadth, encompassing a variety of subjects ranging from flora and fauna to landscapes and human figures. Each work within this series is interconnected, contributing to a holistic vision of nature and existence.
- Sekka’s works are characterized by their vibrant use of color, graceful lines, and the integration of traditional motifs with modern design, which has influenced artists both within Japan and internationally.

In conclusion, "Deer" from *Momoyogusa–Flowers of a Hundred Generations* is a profound example of Kamisaka Sekka’s artistic philosophy. It captures the serene beauty of nature through refined aesthetics and technical excellence, standing as a lasting testament to Sekka’s contributions to the world of art.