Various Plants and Grass 1867 - 1891

Shibata Zeshin made this painting of various plants and grasses using ink and color on silk. This work reflects the changing social and cultural landscape of Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. Zeshin's decision to paint such humble, natural subjects aligns with the Rinpa school's focus on naturalism. But we should also note that the Rinpa style enjoyed renewed popularity as Japan opened to the West, becoming a way to assert a distinct Japanese identity in the face of increasing Western influence. The fan-shaped composition, a traditional format, further emphasizes this connection to Japanese artistic heritage. Was Zeshin self-consciously choosing a conservative style? Was he, perhaps, critiquing the rush to embrace Westernization? To fully understand Zeshin's work, we must consider the institutional context of art production and the rise of cultural nationalism in Japan at this time. Historical sources such as exhibition catalogues, artists' biographies, and period writings on art can help us understand the complex interplay of tradition, innovation, and cultural identity in Zeshin's art.