Sekino Junichirō

the origins of Sekino Junichirô’s style are difficult to trace except for the portrait influence of Onchi. Largely self-taught, he lived in Tokyo in the 1950s where he produced finely crafted portrait studies and landscapes that exploit the special possibilities inherent in the wood. In contrast to Saito’s intellectual approach, Sekino’s approach is all emotional. His interest in the traditional Japanese stage- bunraku and kabuki-certainly underlines this special quality. He drew upon Japan for themes. One of his more recent undertakings in the 1970s was a complete Fifty-three Stations of Tôkaidô. The Michener collection added this fine series to its already substantial holdings upon its release through Yoseido. His works, though simplified to meet the demands of woodblock medium, remain emotionally charged with his ideas.