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

"Waves and Sun" from the series Momoyogusa–Flowers of a Hundred Generations (1909) by Kamisaka Sekka captures the serene yet dynamic essence of nature through Sekka's keen eye for abstraction and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The painting features a scene dominated by stylized, rolling waves, painted in a rhythmic, almost musical pattern. The waves, rendered in shades of blue and white, curl and twist in an expressive dance, mimicking the ebbs and flows of water.

Above the waves, an incandescent sun rises or sets, casting a warm, golden hue across the scene. The sun is depicted as a simple, yet commanding, circular form glowing with a gradient of yellow and orange. This fiery orb contrasts against the cool tones of the waves, creating a balanced harmony that draws the viewer into a state of meditative calm.

Sekka’s use of bold outlines, and his careful attention to form and color, demonstrate his mastery of combining traditional *Rimpa* (Rinpa) school elements with modern sensibilities. There's an inherent elegance and simplicity in "Waves and Sun" that speaks to Sekka’s ability to distill the essence of the natural world into compelling, minimalist designs.

Artist and Painting Context:

Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942) was a prominent Japanese artist, recognized for his contributions to the *Rimpa* school of painting, which is known for its decorative, nature-centric themes and use of bold colors and simple compositions. Sekka was instrumental in revitalizing and redefining traditional Japanese art in the late Meiji and Taisho periods, blending it seamlessly with contemporary styles and incorporating influences from Western Art Nouveau and Impressionism.

The original painting "Waves and Sun" is part of Sekka's acclaimed series *Momoyogusa–Flowers of a Hundred Generations*, which consists of 60 woodblock prints. The series, published in 1909, showcases Sekka’s innovative approach to traditional Japanese motifs, presenting them with modern flair and simplified forms. This series is often celebrated as a significant achievement in Sekka's career, symbolizing both a reverence for classical Japanese art and a forward-thinking embrace of modernity.

Many pieces from the *Momoyogusa* series are held in various esteemed institutions. However, individual prints, including "Waves and Sun," can often be found in prominent museum collections around the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Art Institute of Chicago. These institutions recognize the deep cultural and artistic value of Sekka's work.

Noteworthy Details:

- Artistic Techniques: Sekka's use of *tarashikomi* (a technique involving the pooling of ink or pigment to create a mottled effect) and *mokkasou* (woodblock printing) imbue the painting with texture and depth.
- Cultural Synthesis: Sekka’s work harmoniously blends traditional Japanese themes with international art movements, making his pieces accessible and appealing across cultures.
- Symbolism: The interplay between the waves and the sun may symbolize balance and duality, a common theme in Japanese philosophy wherein opposites are seen as complementary forces.

"Waves and Sun" exemplifies Kamisaka Sekka's profound ability to merge time-honored art traditions with contemporary innovations, making his work timeless and universally adored.