Flower Studies [one of a pair] c. 19th century

"Flower Studies," one of a pair of scrolls, was created by Shibata Zeshin with ink on paper. Zeshin lived during a period of immense change in Japan. He was witness to the decline of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the transition to the Meiji Restoration, which saw Japan rapidly modernize and open to Western influence. Yet, Zeshin chose to root himself in traditional Japanese art forms. These studies demonstrate his mastery of technique, while engaging with the centuries-old tradition of flower-and-bird painting. The monochromatic ink creates a play of light and shadow, emphasizing the natural beauty of the bamboo. But Zeshin was not merely repeating tradition. He also worked with lacquer, a craft associated with the lower classes of Japanese society. This choice reflects a democratic spirit and a desire to elevate everyday materials to the level of fine art. It is this intersection of tradition, innovation, and social awareness that makes Zeshin's work so compelling.