Zodiac calendar with holder in the shape of a hanging scroll 1846
shibatazeshin
portrait
asian-art
japan
wood
decorative-art
This intricately crafted zodiac calendar, created in 1846 by renowned Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), is a testament to the artistry of the Edo period. Made of wood and featuring intricate inlay techniques, the calendar depicts a rooster, representing the year of the rooster in the Chinese zodiac. The calendar is designed as a hanging scroll, showcasing Zeshin's mastery of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, highlighting the cultural significance of the zodiac in Japanese art. It is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
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This calendar consists of six plaques, each painted on both sides, featuring an animal from the Chinese zodiac calendar. The holder mimics the format and mount of a hanging scroll and even includes ivory rollers. Some of the paintings are accompanied by inscriptions that indicate in which style Zeshin painted. The dragon plaque, for example, is in the style of Kano Tan'yū (1602–74) and the dog plaque was inspired by Maruyama Ōkyo's (1733–95) famous puppies. Zeshin is considered the world's greatest lacquer artist who also developed a number of new techniques. His principle technique is takamaki-e, or raised sprinkled design, where the pictorial elements are raised above the surface, sprinkled with gold or silver, and then protected with a coat of clear lacquer.
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