{"product_id":"lacquer-paintings-of-various-subjects-peonies-shibata-zeshin","title":"Lacquer Paintings of Various Subjects: Peonies - Shibata Zeshin","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined study of a peony blossom by Shibata Zeshin, executed in his signature lacquer-on-paper technique against a gold-leaf ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShibata Zeshin occupies a unique position in the history of Japanese art, bridging the refined traditions of the Edo period with the technical innovations of the Meiji era. As a master of both painting and lacquerware, he developed a method of applying urushi (natural lacquer) to paper, a medium that required immense precision and control. This work, depicting a peony in bloom, demonstrates his ability to manipulate the viscous properties of lacquer to achieve varied textures and tonal depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features a large, white peony blossom set against a gold-leaf background. The petals are rendered with delicate, controlled lines, while the foliage displays a darker, more robust application of pigment. To the right, a weathered rock provides a grounding element, its surface textured through the layering of lacquer. The contrast between the metallic gold ground and the organic forms of the flower creates a sense of spatial tension, typical of Zeshin's approach to decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZeshin was trained in the Shijo school, which emphasised direct observation of nature. However, his work often transcends simple representation, moving towards a stylised, graphic quality that anticipates modern design sensibilities. The inclusion of a small, unopened bud and the gnarled branches at the base adds a narrative element of growth and time. His signature and seal are visible in the lower right, confirming the work's provenance within his late-career output. This piece reflects his mastery of material, where the physical properties of the lacquer dictate the final aesthetic outcome, resulting in a surface that possesses a subtle, reflective quality distinct from traditional ink or watercolour paintings.\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=\"\/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=\"\/products\/camellia-and-rice-birds-ohara-koson\" 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;\"\u003eCamellia and Rice Birds - 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":58722889007439,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58722898936143,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58722898968911,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58722899001679,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58722899034447,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58722899067215,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58722899099983,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58722899132751,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58722899165519,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58722899198287,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58722899231055,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58722899263823,"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_-Peonies_Poster_CompositorV1_1788949812583.jpg?v=1788950382","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/lacquer-paintings-of-various-subjects-peonies-shibata-zeshin","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}