Morning Glories 1860

Shibata Zeshin’s “Morning Glories” uses ink and color on paper to create a vivid still life. Zeshin lived through a tumultuous period of socio-political change as Japan transitioned from feudalism to a more Westernized society. This piece embodies the concept of "kachōga," or bird-and-flower painting, which was often more about expressing symbolic meanings rather than naturalistic portrayals. Each element carried cultural weight. For example, morning glories, with their fleeting beauty, may symbolize the ephemeral nature of life, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Notice how Zeshin challenges traditional representation through bold color choices and compositions that are both modern and deeply referential to Japanese artistic heritage. Consider how the intense colors might evoke a sense of urgency or nostalgia, a reminder of moments that are beautiful precisely because they are transient. "Morning Glories" isn’t just a pretty picture; it’s a meditation on time, beauty, and cultural identity during a period of transformation.