Shibata Zeshin: Japanese Books, Camellia and Lacquer Table (Sold)

Artist: Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891)
Title: Rooster, Hen and Chicks
Date: ca. 1900

Inviting still life of a low Japanese lacquer table with a set of Japanese books in a lively stack set atop it and cut branches of blooming flowers adding a lively glimpse of nature. One feels that the occupant of this home is just out of view, perhaps going to fetch some ikebana scissors. Zeshin was considered Japan’s most innovative lacquer artist, and his lacquer works command six-figure prices. Here we can admire his mastery of composition in terms of how he uses space to create his design; the upper left is open space, while the table is at a diagonal and the books and camellias and plum branches are strongly cropped. We want to see more; the glimpses are tantalizing to the viewer. The blue on the books has a blindprinted pattern, gauffrage is an unusual touch in Zeshin’s works. The blooming plum and camellia branches would indicate that this is a work that celebrates a spring month, perhaps March.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Lightly backed.
Dimensions: 23.5 x 24.4 cm
Signature: Zeshin

SKU: ZES032