Shibata Kishin (1807–1891) was a lacquer artist and painter active from the late Edo period through to the Meiji era. Whilst mastering the sophisticated techniques of maki-e and lacquer painting, he created original expressions that brought out the unique qualities of diverse materials such as wood, metal and ceramics. He also excelled at painting, bringing everyday flowers, plants, animals and familiar scenes to life through his elegant compositions and light, nimble brushwork. He is a significant figure not only for preserving traditional lacquer art but also for expanding it into a form of craftsmanship suited to the new era.

When viewing Kishin’s works, one is first struck by the dexterity of his technique, but what is felt even more strongly is his sense of playfulness. Even in depictions that could be mistaken for genuine wood grain, rust or metal, there is a light-heartedness intended to delight the viewer, rather than a mere display of technical prowess. To me, Kishin’s works appear to maintain the dignity of traditional craftsmanship whilst adding a touch of wit and humour. I believe their greatest appeal lies in the way precision and freedom coexist naturally within the same piece.