Who painted Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji?

Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji was painted by Shibata Zeshin in 1840-01-01.

Where can I see Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji?

Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji?

Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji?

Museum-quality prints of Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji

Shibata Zeshin , 1840

Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Shibata Zeshin. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

The work Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji by Shibata Zeshin is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The museum assigns it the accession number 1990.6. Created in 1840 in Japan, the painting has been part of the museum's holdings since its acquisition under this catalog number.

Legacy

The sketch of Ibaraki-dōji by Shibata Zeshin, created in 1840, has been recognized for its contribution to Japanese painting traditions. It is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art collection and continues to be referenced in studies of 19th-century Japanese art. The work's influence is noted in discussions of Zeshin's broader artistic legacy and the preservation of narrative painting techniques.

Overview

Sketch of Ibaraki-dōji is a mid‑nineteenth‑century painting executed in 1840 by the Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of the artist’s dynamic figure studies.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a bearded male figure with long hair, dressed in a flowing robe. He is captured in a twisted pose, arms outstretched, his face contorted in a fierce, open‑mouth expression. The dramatic gesture suggests a moment of intense action or supernatural power, aligning with the legendary demon Ibaraki‑dōji from Japanese folklore.

Technique & Style

The figure’s hair and garment are rendered with fluid strokes that emphasize motion, while a light‑toned background isolates the subject, enhancing contrast.

Zeshin employs bold, sweeping lines and vigorous brushwork to convey movement. The figure’s hair and garment are rendered with fluid strokes that emphasize motion, while a light‑toned background isolates the subject, enhancing contrast. The handling of ink and pigment reflects the artist’s mastery of traditional Japanese painting techniques, particularly the use of expressive line to animate the scene.