Birds 1867 - 1891

Shibata Zeshin created “Birds” using ink and color on silk. Zeshin lived during a time of significant transformation in Japan, as it transitioned from the Edo period into the Meiji era, and from feudalism into a more modern, open society. This work showcases the artist’s mastery in combining traditional Japanese painting techniques with his own innovative style. Birds, often carrying symbolic meanings of freedom, communication, and transition, were a common subject in Japanese art. Here the solitary bird on the fan evokes a sense of quiet contemplation. Consider what this image may have meant to Zeshin; did it represent his personal feelings of change, resilience, or hope? While appearing traditional, Zeshin’s compositions often incorporate a personal element which suggests he’s trying to reconcile his identity with a rapidly modernizing world. Zeshin once said, “I do not imitate; I create.” His work invites us to reflect on the intersection of personal identity, historical change, and cultural expression.