Cho Senshu - One Thousand Butterflies

the work

Chō senshu - One Thousand Butterflies

"A Thousand Species of Butterflies" is a collection of Japanese woodblock prints of butterflies by Kamisaka Sekka ( 1866-1942). Originally published in 1904, we have digitally enhanced these breathtaking butterfly prints.

Yukika Kamisaka Biography

• Born in Kyoto on February 3, 1866 .
• He studied Japanese painting at the Kyoto Prefectural School of Art.
• He studied the Shijo and Rinpa styles of painting, and later established his own decorative style.
• In 1904, he published "A Thousand Species of Butterflies."
• He died in Kyoto on January 1, 1942 (aged 75).

Representative works

• Chō senshu - One Thousand Butterflies (1904)
• "Momoyo-gusa" (1909-1915)

Sekka's style and achievements

Sekka's works are characterized by their elegant and sophisticated designs , influenced by the decorative style of the Rinpa school and Art Nouveau . He created many works that captivate the viewer with their vivid colors and bold compositions, with themes such as flowers, birds, the moon, landscapes, and stories.

"Thousand Species of Butterflies" is one of Yukika's masterpieces, and its delicate depiction and vivid colors fully express the beauty and diversity of butterflies. These woodblock prints demonstrate a unique artistry that combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with elements of Western Art Nouveau .

Among the many Japanese painters and designers active from the Meiji to Taisho eras , Sekka stood out for his original designs and high technical ability . His work brought fresh air to the Japanese art world and continues to inspire contemporary designers.