{"product_id":"lacquer-paintings-of-various-subjects-butterflies-shibata-zeshin","title":"Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Butterflies - Shibata Zeshin","description":"\u003cp\u003eA study of butterflies rendered in urushi lacquer on paper by the Japanese master Shibata Zeshin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShibata Zeshin was a master of both lacquerware and painting, known for his ability to bridge traditional Japanese techniques with a keen observation of the natural world. This work belongs to a series of lacquer paintings that demonstrate his technical command over urushi, a medium typically reserved for decorative objects rather than two-dimensional paper surfaces. By applying lacquer to paper, Zeshin achieved a unique depth and sheen that distinguishes his work from standard ink or watercolour compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features a collection of butterflies arranged with a sense of fluid movement across the page. Zeshin captures the delicate anatomy of each insect, from the translucent quality of the wings to the specific patterns of the scales. His approach to the subject is grounded in the kacho-ga tradition, which focuses on the beauty of birds and flowers, yet he introduces a level of realism and material innovation that reflects his status as a highly skilled craftsman. The muted, earthy palette allows the subtle variations in wing texture to emerge, while the negative space provides a sense of air and lightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZeshin produced this work late in his career, during a period when he was experimenting with the boundaries of his medium. The inclusion of his signature and seal confirms his personal involvement in the execution of these studies. The work functions as a record of his technical precision, showing how he could manipulate the viscous nature of lacquer to create fine lines and soft gradients. It is a study of form and texture, presented with the restraint characteristic of his mature style. The gold-leaf border framing the image further situates the piece within the context of traditional Japanese mounting, elevating the study into a formal display of artistic skill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/memory-of-a-voyage-rene-magritte\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMemory of a Voyage - René Magritte — René Magritte\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/two-koi-carps-ohara-koson-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eTwo Koi Carps - Ohara Koson — Ohara Koson\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Shibata Zeshin","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58722932261199,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58722981773647,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58722981806415,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58722981839183,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58722981871951,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58722981904719,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58722981937487,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58722981970255,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58722982003023,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58722982035791,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58722982068559,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58722982101327,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Lacquer-Paintings-of-Various-Subjects_-Butterflies_Poster_CompositorV1_1788949889079.jpg?v=1788950657","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/de\/products\/lacquer-paintings-of-various-subjects-butterflies-shibata-zeshin","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}