Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891)
Crows flying at sunrise
Signature: Hachijûichi-ô Zeshin (the 81 year old Zeshin)
Publisher: Non given – likely Matsuki Heikichi (Daikokuya)
Date: First edition 1888. Here in a later edition, around 1920-30
Size: Shikishiban, 24,4 x 25,3 cm
Excellent impression, colours and condition, printed on heavy paper. Verso in bottom margin small stamp „Made in Japan“.
Probably Zeshin’s most famous print, a truly intriguing design with a unique composition.
The crows – especially along with the rising sun - are considered as messengers of the gods in Japan.
Cf.: Rappard-Boon, The Age of Yoshitoshi. Japanese prints from the Meiji- and Taishô period… Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, 1990, p. 16f, No. 11. The New wave, p. 78, fig. 33.
Cf. also Catalogue „Japanische Landschaft“, Galerie am Haus der Kunst, Monika Schmidt, Munich (1997), p. 18f, No. 26
sold