Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Chôbunsai Eishi in 1788.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Chôbunsai Eishi , 1788

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Created circa 1788, this woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi presents four women dressed in richly patterned kimono and tall straw hats.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1788, this woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi presents four women dressed in richly patterned kimono and tall straw hats. The composition is set against an unadorned background, directing attention to the figures, one of whom holds a fan, another leans on a parasol, while a child stands behind them.

Subject & Meaning

The scene typifies the ukiyo-e focus on the "floating world," portraying idealized feminine beauty and leisure. The inclusion of a child suggests a domestic or familial context, while the elegant postures and accessories emphasize refinement and seasonal fashion.

Technique & Style

Executed with ink and color on paper, the print employs the woodblock method that allows fine line work and vivid hues. Eishi’s lines render the kimono fabrics with a woven appearance, using delicate cross‑hatching to suggest texture and shadow, while the bold patterns of black, purple, and white create visual contrast.

History & Provenance

Born Tokitomi into a samurai family of the Fujiwara lineage, Eishi abandoned a 500‑koku stipend as a shogunal vassal to study under ukiyo-e master Kano Eisen’in Michinobu. This work reflects his early period after the career shift, when he was establishing his reputation in the bijin‑ga genre.

Context

The print belongs to the late eighteenth‑century ukiyo-e tradition, which catered to urban audiences fascinated by depictions of fashionable life, entertainment districts, and idealized women. Eishi’s focus on detailed costume and graceful pose aligns with contemporary tastes for elegance and the visual documentation of contemporary dress.

Artist & collection

Artist

Chôbunsai Eishi

Chōbunsai Eishi (鳥文斎栄之; 1756–1829) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. His last name was Hosoda (細田). His first name was Tokitomi (時富). His common name was Taminosuke (民之丞) and later Yasaburo (弥三郎). Pupil of Kano Eisen'in…