"Queen's Coffin"
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
- Image courtesy of
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Description
An atypical subject in Sekino's oeuvre, this print likely engages with themes of ceremony, death, and formal ritual, possibly inspired by theatrical performance, historical narrative, or Western cultural imagery encountered through Sekino's international connections and travels. The title suggests a solemn, processional subject—draped forms, architectural framing, or sparse monumental composition. Sekino's ability to work across a wide range of subjects, from intimate portraits to folk customs to theatrical scenes, is well documented, and this print may reflect the darker ceremonial imagery he occasionally explored. The [sosaku-hanga](/glossary/sosaku-hanga) technique allows for dramatic contrast and texture that would serve an austere funerary subject. The print stands as evidence of Sekino's willingness to move beyond conventional Japanese printmaking subject matter.


