Lacquer Box and Gourd 1807 - 1868

This "Lacquer Box and Gourd" woodblock print, created by Shibata Zeshin between 1807 and 1868, is a prime example of Japanese ukiyo-e art, a style which depicts everyday life. The image shows a simple still life, composed of a lacquer box and a gourd, set against a gold background. The artist's signature is visible in the lower right corner. The work, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a small-scale piece, measuring just 4 3/4 by 3 1/2 inches.