Who painted Waterfall and Monkeys?

Waterfall and Monkeys was painted by Shibata Zeshin in 1872.

Where can I see Waterfall and Monkeys?

Waterfall and Monkeys is held by Kimbell Art Museum.

What movement is Waterfall and Monkeys?

Waterfall and Monkeys is associated with Nihonga.

Artwork

Waterfall and Monkeys

Shibata Zeshin , 1872

Waterfall and Monkeys is an ink painting by the Nihonga artist Shibata Zeshin. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Kimbell Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Waterfall and Monkeys, executed in 1872 by the Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin, is a silk painting that depicts a natural scene populated by primates. The work exemplifies Zeshin’s late‑period output and is part of the collection of the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a cascading waterfall framed by foliage, with several monkeys interacting within the landscape. While the precise narrative is not documented, the inclusion of monkeys—often symbols of playfulness and agility in Japanese visual culture—suggests a celebration of nature’s vitality.

Technique & Style

Rendered on silk, the painting employs Zeshin’s characteristic lacquer‑inspired brushwork, achieving a luminous surface that mimics the sheen of water. The delicate layering of pigments on the fine fabric allows for subtle gradations of tone, a hallmark of the artist’s innovative approach to textile media.

History & Provenance

Created during the Meiji era, the piece reflects the period’s synthesis of traditional techniques with emerging artistic trends. After changing hands in private collections, it entered the Kimbell Art Museum’s holdings, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Asian art assemblage.