Fire Basket Suspended from Dock over a Fish Net in the Water 1807 - 1868

This small painting of a fire basket suspended from a dock over a fish net was made by Shibata Zeshin, in Japan, in the 19th century. Zeshin's work is known for its innovative approach to traditional Japanese painting techniques. Here, the composition strikes us with its unconventional asymmetry. The fire basket, the focal point, is positioned to the left, balanced by the dock structure on the right. Zeshin masterfully uses empty space, or *ma*, to create a sense of depth and tranquility. The lines are spare, yet each stroke is imbued with purpose, suggesting form and texture with minimal detail. The warm hues of the fire and dock contrast with the muted gold of the background, enhancing the visual harmony. Zeshin's keen observation of the natural world, combined with his formal sophistication, invites a deeper meditation on the interplay between man, nature, and the passage of time.