SHIBATA ZESHIN (1807–1891) Grasshopper and Flowering Vine (about 1880), hanging scroll; colored lacquers and gold wash on prepared paper. 13 3/8 x 18 in.

In Japan, flowering gourds and grasshoppers are traditional harbingers of fall, and here the autumnal mood is emphasized by an overall brown-and-yellow palette. Zeshin’s keen powers of observation are demonstrated in the complex, ruffled flower and the minute detail of the insect’s body. […more]

Shibata Zeshin (1807–1891) is history’s greatest lacquer artist, recognized worldwide for his exquisitely detailed lacquered boxes, panels, sword mounts, and other objects, as well as scrolls painted in both ink and lacquer. In addition to his mastery of traditional techniques, Zeshin developed a range of daring new lacquer textures and finishes imitating rusty iron, rough seas, patinated bronze, and even the delicate grain of Chinese rosewood. Japan Society presents the finest collection of the artist’s works ever assembled outside of Japan in The Genius of Japanese Lacquer: Masterworks by Shibata Zeshin.

The Genius of Japanese Lacquer: Masterworks by Shibata Zeshin
Japan Society, New York
Friday, March 21, 2008 — Sunday, June 15, 2008
For more information: www.japansociety.org