Group 1807 - 1891

Shibata Zeshin painted this scroll, "Group", with ink and color on silk. The smooth silk provides the perfect ground for the delicate brushstrokes, which describe the figures with subtle variation. The artist has masterfully controlled the fluidity of the ink and the application of colors, to create depth and volume. Zeshin was a highly skilled craftsman, known for his innovative lacquer techniques. While this piece doesn't feature lacquer directly, his understanding of the material's properties informs his approach to painting. Notice how he creates a sense of layered depth and a lustrous quality similar to that achieved through layering lacquer. The attention to detail and refinement, speaks to a culture where artistry and craftsmanship were highly valued. This was a pre-industrial moment, where the handmade object held significant cultural and aesthetic value, and the artist's individual skill was paramount. It encourages us to appreciate the labor and artistic skill involved in its creation.