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

"Japanese Butterfly" is a vibrant, digitally enhanced artwork from Kamisaka Sekka's 1904 woodblock print series, Cho Senshu (One Thousand Butterflies). This specific piece captures the gentle, ephemeral beauty of butterflies, an imagery often revered in Japanese culture for its connotations of transformation and ephemeral beauty.

The painting is an intricate tableau of butterflies in flight, rendered in a mesmerizing array of colors and patterns. The butterflies are delicately outlined, showcasing Sekka's meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. The wings of the butterflies display complex, almost kaleidoscopic patterns, employing an elegant gradient of colors from deep, rich tones to soft pastels. The composition feels lively and dynamic, yet it adheres to a tranquil harmony, a quality that characterizes much of Sekka's work.

The background is subtle, often consisting of a wash of muted tones, ensuring that the vibrant butterflies remain the focal point. This minimalistic approach to the background further emphasizes the floating beauty of the butterflies. The careful use of color and the positioning of each butterfly creates a sense of depth and motion, making the viewer feel as if they are witnessing a serene ballet of butterflies fluttering across the canvas.

Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942) was a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century Japanese art scene. He is best known for his contributions to the Rimpa School, a historical art movement that dates back to the early 17th century, characterized by its luxurious use of color, decorative patterns, and natural themes. Sekka's work represents a modern revival and reinterpretation of the Rimpa style, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary influences, particularly from European Art Nouveau.

Cho Senshu (One Thousand Butterflies), published in 1904, is one of Sekka's most celebrated series. It marks a significant period in his career, illustrating his profound ability to synthesize traditional Japanese and modern artistic techniques. The series, including "Japanese Butterfly," is emblematic of Sekka's dedication to capturing the beauty of nature through nuanced, decorative compositions.

Original works from Sekka's Cho Senshu series are held in various private collections and museums worldwide, including the prestigious Kyoto National Museum in Japan, which houses some of Sekka’s most well-regarded pieces. Additionally, institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, often feature works by Sekka in their collections, underscoring his international acclaim and the lasting impact of his artistic vision.

Sekka's works, including "Japanese Butterfly," play a crucial role in the appreciation of Japanese art, serving as a bridge between traditional Japanese techniques and modern artistic innovations. They continue to be studied, admired, and celebrated for their timeless beauty and intricate craftsmanship.