Shibata Zeshin 柴田是真, painter

[Large album leaf painting of an oni 鬼]

Item #90208

Shibata Zeshin 柴田是真, painter. [Large album leaf painting of an oni 鬼]. N.p., n.d. This 19.4 x 30.6cm painting of an oni (鬼) is tipped on a large oblong album leaf 33.1 x 47.5cm with a paper mat surround. The image is painted on tan silk with a tan and gray floral design border on the top and bottom and a light green abstract pattern border around it. The demon is dressed and lounging on the floor, looking rather disgruntled, with a vessel and implement of some kind next to it and done with Zeshin’s characteristic brushwork. Signed and sealed on the right hand side with the artist’s hanko (真). That said, it lacks provenance and is priced accordingly.

Shibata Zeshin 柴田是真 (1807-1891) was an important artist in the Edo and early Meiji period who was well-known as a lacquerer, lacquer painter, book illustrator and ehon artist and considered the greatest lacquerer of his day in Japan. He was known for his skilled brushwork and taught established artist Watanabe Seitei (also Shōtei 渡辺省亭, 1851-1918). Zeshin was quite prolific and often painted images of oni and bakemono (化け物, ghosts). His works have become much sought-after of late.

A bit toned, but otherwise clean. Unusual.

Price: $650.00