Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Chôbunsai Eishi in 1792.

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 , 1792

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, one sheet of a triptych, was created by Chōbunsai Eishi around 1792. Executed in ink and color on paper, it exemplifies the bijin-ga genre, portraying elegant, slender women in traditional attire.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two women engaged in quiet, refined activities. One kneels with a fan and round box, while the other sits, holding a scroll. Their serene interaction and meticulously rendered traditional robes convey the idealized beauty and tranquility characteristic of bijin-ga.

Technique & Style

Eishi employed bold outlines and flat colors, typical of ukiyo-e woodblock prints of the era. Notable details include the vibrant, patterned kimono with large yellow circles and the careful rendering of floral motifs on the robes, showcasing the artist's attention to decorative elements.

History & Provenance

Chōbunsai Eishi, formerly a samurai vassal of the Shōgun, left his position to pursue a career in art. Trained under Kano Eisen'in Michinobu, he became a prominent ukiyo-e artist. The origins and subsequent ownership history of this specific triptych sheet are not detailed in available information.

Context

Created during the late 18th century, this work reflects the popular ukiyo-e themes of the time, particularly the fascination with depicting beautiful women (bijin-ga) in everyday, yet elegantly composed, scenes.

Legacy

As part of Eishi's oeuvre, this print contributes to the artist's reputation as a significant figure in ukiyo-e, known for his graceful portrayals of women. His work influenced the development of the genre, though the specific impact of this triptych sheet is not broadly documented.

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…