Nieuwjaarsdag in het jaar van de haan 1877 - 1889

This woodblock print, "Nieuwjaarsdag in het jaar van de haan," created by renowned Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin between 1877 and 1889, depicts a rooster and two hens perched on a woven basket. The simple composition, with its emphasis on the birds against a light background, showcases Zeshin's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, known for its vibrant colors and detailed depictions of everyday life. The rooster's proud posture and the hens' attentive gaze evoke the themes of prosperity and good fortune associated with the Year of the Rooster in Chinese zodiac tradition. This print is a beautiful example of Zeshin's ability to capture the essence of nature and cultural symbolism in his artwork.