Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Bonsai 1882

"Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Bonsai" is a work by the renowned Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin, created in 1882. This small-scale painting, measuring 7 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches, showcases Zeshin's mastery of lacquer techniques. It depicts a delicate arrangement of bonsai trees, meticulously rendered in a palette of muted greens, browns, and subtle gold accents. Zeshin's signature, boldly displayed, adds to the artwork's authenticity and aesthetic appeal. This captivating piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides insight into the Japanese appreciation for nature's beauty and the artistry of bonsai cultivation.