Shibata Zeshin, Crows Flying by Red Sky at Sunset, from the Series Comparison of Flowers, c. 1880 Color woodblock print on paper, 9 × 9.3 in. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Shibata Zeshin, Crows Flying by Red Sky at Sunset, from the Series Comparison of Flowers, c. 1880 Color woodblock print on paper, 9 × 9.3 in. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn

Shibata Zeshin

On March 14, 2025 - 19th Century, Japanese, march 15

Shibata Zeshin (柴田是真, March 15, 1807–July 13, 1891) was a Japanese painter, print artist, and lacquer artist born in Edo (present-day Tokyo). He apprenticed with lacquer artist Koma Kansai II and studied painting with Suzuki Nanrei, then traveled to Kyoto, where he studied the Maruyama–Shijō school.

After returning to Edo, Zeshin established a career in painting and lacquerwork, applying his training across paintings, prints, and decorated objects. He maintained a long friendship and artistic association with Utagawa Kuniyoshi. In 1890 he became the first lacquer artist appointed to the Imperial Household.

Zeshin’s work is represented in major collections including the Tokyo National Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the British Museum, and the National Museum of Asian Art.

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