Overhanging Cliff 1807 - 1868

Shibata Zeshin made this painting, “Overhanging Cliff,” using ink and color on paper. Look closely, and you will see that the image isn't just painted, but also lacquered. Zeshin was born in Edo, and trained as a lacquer artist. As a result, he was extremely attuned to the material properties of this substance. He experimented with lacquer as a painting medium, applying it to paper and other surfaces in innovative ways. The result is an image with a very particular feel. Lacquer gives a subtle sheen, and the way the brushstrokes sit on the paper is also distinct. Consider the way the cliff itself is rendered. Zeshin’s knowledge of lacquer, and the way it behaves, allowed him to achieve this powerful sense of presence with just a few strokes. This painting beautifully demonstrates the potential of craft techniques to refresh and renew our experience of art.