Crows at Twilight

Shibata Zeshin (柴田是真) was a Japanese artist who is most well-known for his innovative use of lacquer. He was born in 1808 in the city of Edo, present-day Tokyo. He lived in interesting times. While his country and other Japanese artists were opening up to Western influence, he remained true to his traditional roots both personally and artistically. He was considered modern for his innovative techniques in the use of lacquer but also old-fashioned for his style. He famously refused a commission simply because it was to be displayed with work by a contemporary artist who did not meet his standards of morality and who had been imprisoned for drawing indecent pictures.

He was very successful and his artwork became a kind of showcase of the official Japan for the world outside. Zeshin participated as official representative of Japan in international exhibitions in Vienna in 1875, in Philadelphia in 1876, and in Paris. As you can see today, he was also creating Japanese woodcuts. I love these crows; they look so modern and fresh! Have a great weekend.  : )

We present today's print thanks to the National Museum of Asian Art.

P.S. Here's all you have to know about Japanese erotic art, Shunga (18+).