Shibata Zeshin
19th century Shijo Painter, Printmaker, Lacquerer
Japanese, (1807–1891) Zeshin (1807-91). N.: Shibata Junzo (originally Kametaro)
Shijo painter, printmaker, lacquerer.
Born and lived in Edo. Son of a sculptor. As a child, apprenticed to a lacquer craftsman: studied painting under Suzuki Nanrei and, in Kyoto, under Okamoto Toyohiko to improve his ability in design. also trained in lacquer technique by Koma Kansai II. Member of the Nihon Bijutsu Kyokai and the Art Committee of the Imperial Household. Became a court painter in 1890. Greatest lacquerer of the 19th century; particularly skilled in urushi-e, producing charming, delicate works. Also painted equally delightful pictures, usually with the addition of lacquer. His eldest son, Reisai, carried on the family lacquer business; the younger son Umezawa Ryushin worked in family tradition. ( Zechin's works are included in the holdings of numerous museums and private collections in the United States, Europe and Asia, and published in numerous references and art histories.)