Kamisaka Sekka

Kamisaka Sekka ( January 2, 1866 - 1942) was a Japanese craftsman, painter, and designer. He learned from the works of Rinpa and Edo period painters such as Ogata Korin who were influenced by Rinpa, and is known for his works that express traditional Japanese aesthetics in a modern way.

Biography of Yukika Kamisaka

• Born in Kyoto on January 2, 1866
• In 1879, he joined the wealthy Kyoto merchant family, the Suminokura family, and was involved in the appraisal and research of calligraphy, paintings, and antiques.
• He began his full-scale craft activities in the late 1880s.
• In 1890, he became an assistant professor at the Kyoto City School of Arts and Crafts.
• In 1901, he became a professor at the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts.
• In 1931, he became a member of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts.
• Died in Kyoto on June 27, 1942

Masterpiece

• "Momoyogusa" (1909-1910)
• "One Hundred Illustrations of the Rinpa School" (1915-1917)
• "Decorative Painting of Flowers and Birds"
• Numerous designs for folding screens, fans, kimonos, etc.

Kamisaka Sekka reinterpreted traditional Japanese designs with a modern sensibility, elevating them to sophisticated designs. He demonstrated his talent in a wide range of fields, including publishing design collections, dyeing and weaving, ceramics, and lacquerware .

In particular, his signature style is decorative designs that use natural motifs such as plants and birds while inheriting the Rinpa style . His designs respect traditional Japanese beauty while also exuding a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

Kamisaka Sekka pursued innovative design while being deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture . His work has been highly praised both in Japan and overseas, and he has made a major contribution to the development of modern Japanese design. His influence continues to be felt in contemporary Japanese art and design.