Devil's Invocation c. 19th century

Here we see Shibata Zeshin's ink and color on paper fan painting titled "Devil's Invocation". The asymmetrical composition immediately strikes the eye, with a cluster of figures densely packed on the left, contrasted by a sparser arrangement of objects trailing off to the right. The colour palette is restrained, largely monochrome, which lends a sombre tonality, yet it's punctuated by touches of pale blue, drawing our focus amidst the ink. The artist's brushwork is especially notable. Observe how each stroke varies in weight and texture, contributing to an overall sense of dynamic energy, even within a static image. The fan shape itself should not be overlooked. It serves not only as a surface but also as a structuring device that directs our gaze and suggests movement. The fan's arc subtly guides us from the intense interaction on the left, past what appears to be a bundle of sticks, towards an uncertain, open space, offering a sense of narrative progression or perhaps a moment of contemplation. This challenges our traditional expectations and invites us to reconsider the spatial and symbolic relationships within the artwork.