Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an unspecified painting by the Nihonga artist Shibata Zeshin. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a still life featuring a bear and a crab. In Japanese art, the crab often symbolizes longevity and resilience, while the bear carries associations with strength and protection. The pairing of these animals in a quiet, contemplative scene suggests a meditation on the balance between power and endurance within the natural world.
Technique & Style
The application of lacquer on paper reflects specific technical choices characteristic of the artist's practice during this period in Japan.
Created in 1837, this album leaf by Shibata Zeshin utilizes lacquer applied directly onto paper as its primary medium. The work measures 11.4 cm in height and 8.9 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a still life, featuring depictions of a bear and a crab within its composition.
The application of lacquer on paper reflects specific technical choices characteristic of the artist's practice during this period in Japan.
History & Provenance
The work, titled Untitled, was created by the Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin in 1837. It originated in Japan as an album leaf executed in lacquer on paper. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
No specific details regarding the original commission, the identity of the first owner, or the precise chain of ownership leading to the museum are provided in the available records.
Overview
This untitled work by Shibata Zeshin, created in 1837, is a painting on an album leaf. It features two bears and a crab rendered with lacquer on paper, a technique rarely employed for two-dimensional art. The composition presents a whimsical scene, showcasing Zeshin's innovative approach to traditional materials and his ability to capture both lively and detailed forms within a compact format.
Artist & collection
