Peonies 1909 - 1910

Editor: This is "Peonies," a watercolor painting by Kamisaka Sekka, made sometime between 1909 and 1910. The stark contrast between the white blossoms and dark leaves really jumps out at me. How do you read this piece? Curator: Well, let’s start with the materials. Watercolor, particularly in this era of Japanese art, becomes quite interesting when considering industrialization. Were these pigments readily available due to mass production, impacting artistic choices? What grade of paper did Sekka select and how did this impact the ink absorption and the resulting textures? Also, consider the labor involved. Editor: I never thought about the industrial side of art materials! The smooth application of the watercolor almost hides the hand of the artist. Curator: Precisely! This seemingly effortless execution actually underscores a carefully considered choice about technique and also class aspirations. Think about the rising middle class during the Meiji era and the associated taste for refined aesthetics – how does Sekka play into that desire for an association with traditional, high-status art while embracing a newer, accessible medium? And is Sekka really hiding their hand? Or showing it with that line-based painting style? Editor: That’s a great point, the lines are quite distinct despite being watercolor. Does the choice of subject—the peonies—have any bearing on this reading? Curator: Absolutely! Peonies were luxurious plants. This suggests the accessibility to wealth of the patron through the product. Considering that, let's discuss Sekka’s method to create this impression and which implications could be inferred, and to what ends! Editor: I’m starting to see how looking at materials and methods opens up a whole new understanding of the artwork's cultural context. I appreciate that! Curator: Indeed! Examining the means of production brings a grounded view of even the most seemingly delicate art.