Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Butterflies

Shibata Zeshin

Created:
Movement:
1881
None
key Notes:
Intricate craftsmanship; Naturalistic depiction
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Dimensions:
7 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (19.1 x 16.5 cm)
medium:
Lacquer and mother-of-pearl fragments
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

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Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Butterflies by Shibata Zeshin

The painting "Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Butterflies," created in 1881 by Shibata Zeshin, exemplifies the artist's mastery in utilizing lacquer and mother-of-pearl fragments. Zeshin, renowned for his innovative approach to traditional Japanese lacquer art, skillfully combined these materials to create intricate and luminous compositions. This work reflects the Meiji period's cultural transition, where traditional Japanese techniques were increasingly integrated with Western artistic influences. Zeshin's contributions to the art form were significant, as he was one of the few artists of his time to elevate lacquer painting to the status of fine art. His works are celebrated for their technical precision and aesthetic elegance, influencing subsequent generations of artists. The painting not only showcases Zeshin's technical prowess but also his ability to capture the delicate beauty of nature, a recurring theme in his oeuvre.

Description of the work:

"Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Butterflies" by Shibata Zeshin, created in 1881, is a fine example of Japanese lacquer art, utilizing lacquer and mother-of-pearl fragments to depict delicate butterflies. The artwork exemplifies Zeshin's mastery in combining traditional techniques with innovative materials to capture the ephemeral beauty of nature.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Butterflies