Flowers of a Hundred Worlds: Swirling Snow

Kamisaka Sekka was an important artistic figure in early 20th-century Japan. Born in Kyoto to a Samurai family, his talents for art and design were recognized early. He eventually allied himself with the traditional Rinpa school of art. He is considered the last great proponent of this artistic tradition. Sekka also worked in lacquer and in a variety of other media.

This print, from a set of three woodblock printed albums, displays the graphic design prowess of Kamisaka Sekka. The images were first distributed one by one to subscribers to the series but later were reissued in bound form for mass consumers. Each print features a vignette taken from nature or Japanese literature. Many of the scenes have a long history in Japan, originating in the 900s or 1000s and having been interpreted by all manner of artists since that time. 

P.S. Ahh, winter in Japan! :) See here the winter views of Edo by Hiroshige!

P.P.S. If you're looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts, please check our socks, notebooks, and calendars here.  :)