Wierook benodigdheden 1903

Kamisaka Sekka made this print of incense tools in Japan, sometime before 1942. Just look at the range of soft, muted tones; greys and greens and golds, all anchored by blacks, which really helps to create a sense of harmony and order. The way the image is constructed feels so considered, a real labour of love. What’s fascinating is how Sekka balances flatness with depth. The objects cast shadows, yet they also seem to float on the surface. It is not quite abstract but not exactly realism either. Notice the way the objects are arranged, they almost look like actors on a stage! Sekka was influenced by the Rinpa school, which sort of revived classical Japanese art. You can see this in his elegant designs. It makes me think about Matisse and his cut-outs, the way he used simple shapes to create complex compositions. Ultimately, this image is a reminder that art isn't just about what you see, but how you see it.