Crickets Escaping from a Cage
Artist
Shibata, Zeshin
Japanese, 1807–1891
Date1827–1891
Mediumlacquer on mica-grounded paper
Dimensions28.4 x 51.4 cm (11 3/16 x 20 1/4 in.)
Overall1: 128.3 x 64 cm (50 1/2 x 25 3/16 in.)
Overall1: 128.3 x 64 cm (50 1/2 x 25 3/16 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1959.71
Descriptionhanging scrollLabel Text2004-01-30: CRICKETS ESCAPING FROM A CAGEArtist: Shibata Zeshin (1807-91)
Date: 1870s or 80s
Signed: Zeshin; sealed: Zeshin
Hanging scroll; lacquer painting on mica-ground paper
Museum purchase, 1959.71
During the Edo period (1600-1868) street vendors sold crickets in bamboo cages like the one depicted here. The sound of crickets on a warm summer evening symbolized the end of summer and the imminent arrival of autumn. The scene of crickets happily escaping from their cage brings to mind a haiku (5-7-5 syllable verse) by the itinerant monk and poet Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827/8):
"The crickets proudly prick up their whiskers and sing."
(Korogi ga / hige o katsugite / naki ni keri)
Zeshin was a highly talented and versatile artist known for his original, elegant lacquer-ware, ceramics, paintings and woodbloProvenanceHarry C. Nail, Jr., Palo Alto CA
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