Autumn Grasses in Moonlight 1872

"Autumn Grasses in Moonlight" (1872) is a striking example of the Japanese Rinpa style, a school of painting emphasizing decorative motifs and bold lines. This work by Shibata Zeshin, a leading Rinpa artist, presents a simplified, almost abstract composition, contrasting the delicate black silhouettes of grasses and leaves against a large, luminous moon. This work reflects the essence of nature, capturing the fleeting beauty of autumn night and the serene, meditative quality of Japanese aesthetics.