Two Wreaths - Comparison of Flowers 1890

These wreaths were painted by Shibata Zeshin, the 19th century Japanese artist, celebrated for his innovative approach to lacquerware techniques applied to painting. Zeshin didn’t just paint the wreaths; he constructed them using materials and processes that blurred the lines between craft and fine art. The very act of layering lacquer, a traditionally ornamental material, onto paper, challenges conventional artistic hierarchies. The result is a subtle play of textures and tones. The smooth, polished surfaces contrast beautifully with the matte paper, each layer demanding meticulous application and skillful manipulation, which ties the image to the wider world of labor and skilled practice. Zeshin elevates the everyday into the realm of high art, questioning our preconceived notions about what constitutes art and craft, suggesting that true artistry lies not in the materials themselves, but in the vision and skill of the maker.