Crow on Tree 1807 - 1868

This is Shibata Zeshin's "Crow on Tree", created with ink and color on paper, sometime in the 19th century. Zeshin lived during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, a time of significant social and political change in Japan as it transitioned from feudalism to modernization. Here, Zeshin inverts traditional representations by focusing on the often overlooked crow. In Japanese culture, the crow can symbolize both love and misfortune. Consider how Zeshin might be playing with these contrasting ideas, using the crow as a lens to explore themes of uncertainty. The deliberate brushstrokes, the muted palette, and the intimate scale, create a sense of quiet contemplation. One can almost hear the soft rustling of leaves and the distant call of the crow, inviting us to pause and consider the delicate balance between beauty and impermanence. Ultimately, the emotional resonance of "Crow on Tree" lies in its capacity to evoke a sense of empathy and connection.