Fan and Insect Cage 1807 - 1868

"Fan and Insect Cage" is a painting by Shibata Zeshin, a prominent Japanese artist of the late Edo and early Meiji periods, known for his mastery of lacquerwork and decorative arts. This small-scale work showcases Zeshin's meticulous attention to detail and his interest in depicting everyday objects with elegance. The composition features a delicate fan with a black lacquer finish and a cage for catching insects, both rendered with precision and a sense of realism. Zeshin's signature use of gold and silver leaf adds a touch of opulence to the artwork, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of his time. This painting, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the refined artistry of Zeshin and the rich tradition of Japanese decorative arts.