SIGNED ZESHIN, MEIJI PERIOD (CIRCA 1870-90)

Details

SHIBATA ZESHIN (1807-91)
A SEIDO-NURI LACQUER TRAY
Signed Zeshin, Meiji Period (Circa 1870-90)
Seido-nuri [green lacquer mimicking patinated bronze] ground with turbulent waves executed in seigaiha technique (see below), the ground above and below the waves textured to create the effect of mist and spray, a row of ten metal chidori (wave birds) flying along and above the waves, with a tiny incised signature Zeshin at the bottom left-hand corner of the reverse
5/8 x 6 5/8 x 9½in (1.8 x 16.8 x 24.2cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Sale room notice

This lot was formally in the collection of the 2nd Lord Swaythling and is sold by order of the Estate of the Late Honourable Ewen E S Montagu QC, DC, CBE.

Lot Essay

The wave-patterned seigaiha effect, one of Zeshin's innovations, is achieved by drawing a comb or pointed spatula through a thin layer of wet lacquer. Although the lacquer is mixed with either cereal starch or white lead to improve its viscosity, this apparently simple technique requires great skill and accuracy since mistakes cannot be corrected. Seidonuri, another Zeshin invention, is achieved by scattering several different layers of charcoal and bronze dust on the wet lacquer and polishing them with different oils and powders so as to get a patinated, antique appearance.

1 Earle, Joe and Goke, Tadaomi, Meiji no Takara, Treasures of Imperial Japan, Masterpieces by Shibata Zeshin [in the Khalili collection] (London, 1996), p. 26.

More from Japanese Art & Design

View All