Ibaraki [right of a pair] by Shibata Zeshin

Ibaraki [right of a pair] 1882

toned paper

water colours

japan

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

acrylic on canvas

spray can art

underpainting

painting painterly

watercolour illustration

watercolor

This painting, "Ibaraki [right of a pair]", was created in 1882 by the renowned Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin. It depicts a dynamic scene of Ibaraki, a powerful oni (demon) from Japanese folklore, flying through the air, his white hair and flowing robes billowing behind him, evoking the sense of powerful movement. Zeshin's masterful use of ink and color, particularly in the swirling pattern of Ibaraki's robes, adds to the dynamism of the artwork. "Ibaraki" is a striking example of Zeshin's ability to blend traditional Japanese art techniques with his own unique style, resulting in a captivating and energetic masterpiece. This artwork is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Ibaraki-dōji was a demon who became a follower of Shuten-dōji, the leader of a gang of demons terrorizing Kyoto in the 10th century. Ibaraki was able to escape when the other demons were destroyed and he went on to Rashōmon gate. There, he encountered the warrior Watanabe no Tsuna who cut one of his arms off. Appearing as an old woman, Ibaraki is granted access to see the arm that is kept in a purified box. He manages to steal his arm and, reverting back into a demon, disappears into the sky. Shibata Zeshin was all and foremost a lacquer artist but created also striking paintings and the Ibaraki demon was one of his favorite subjects. Several versions in screen and scroll format exist as well as wood plaques dedicated to specific shrines and temples.