Crow on Tree 1807 - 1868

"Crow on Tree" is a delicate ink-and-wash painting on paper by renowned Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891). The minimalist composition features a single crow perched on a gnarled tree branch, executed in a bold yet subtle style characteristic of Zeshin's mastery of the *sumi-e* technique. This small-scale work, measuring just 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches, is a testament to Zeshin's ability to convey profound beauty through economy of means, demonstrating the strength and precision of his brushwork. It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.