Accession Number1968/2.60
TitlePlate with Floral Design, one of five
Artist(s)Shibata ZeshinObject Creation Datecirca 1879-1890Medium & Supportclear lacquer over gold leaf and polychrome lacquer painting on paperDimensions 3 3/4 in. x 3 13/16 in. ( 9.5 cm x 9.7 cm )
Credit LineMuseum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection FundLabel copyThe flowers depicted in these delicate works - literally made of layers of papers - are five of the "seven grasses of autumn," a favorite motif in Japanese decorative arts for centuries. Here, they are exquisitely painted in colored lacquer on plates of gold leaf by one of the great geniuses if Japanese design, Shibata Zeshin. The unexpected contrast of the quiet, natural plant motifs against the glittering square of gold is typical of Zeshin's work.
exhibited summer 2010
Subject matterChinese bellflowers and pampas grass are two of the “seven grasses of autumn,” a favorite motif in Japanese decorative arts for centuries. This set of lacquer plates showcases a different autumn flower on each.
Physical DescriptionAutumn flowers are painted in colored lacquer on plates of gold leaf. The quiet, natural plant motifs stand out against the glittering square of gold.
Primary Object Classification Decorative Arts Primary Object TypelacquerCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
autumn
flowers (plant components)
gold (metal)
plates (timepiece components)