Flowers in Gourd 1867 - 1891

"Flowers in Gourd" is a Japanese painting on silk by Shibata Zeshin, a prominent artist of the late Edo and early Meiji periods. The painting, created between 1867 and 1891, depicts a gourd with a single flower growing from its top, showcasing Zeshin's mastery of natural imagery. The delicate brushstrokes and subtle color palette create a sense of tranquility, highlighting the simple beauty of nature. The artwork is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The gold leaf background and the gourd's unique form represent a harmonious balance of nature and artistry, capturing the essence of the Japanese aesthetic.