Boy on Ox 1807 - 1891

"Boy on Ox" is a Japanese ink painting by Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891) and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting depicts a young boy riding an ox, a common sight in rural Japan. Zeshin, a renowned artist of the Edo period, is known for his mastery of various artistic styles. This work showcases his adeptness in ink painting, employing bold strokes to capture the dynamism of the scene. The simplicity and expressiveness of the brushwork are characteristic of Zeshin's style, making it an excellent example of Japanese art of the 19th century.