Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Chimei Hamada in 1952.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Chimei Hamada , 1952

Untitled is an ink print by Chimei Hamada. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1952, this untitled work is an etching by Japanese artist Chimei Hamada. The print is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among other mid‑century prints. Its monochrome composition focuses on a solitary tree branch rendered in stark black and white.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a single, robust branch with a thick trunk and a network of finer twigs. The bark is suggested through rough, uneven lines, while the overall composition emphasizes the natural texture and form of the branch, inviting contemplation of its structural simplicity and organic presence.

Technique & Style

Hamada employed traditional etching methods, incising the design into a metal plate and using acid to deepen the lines. Ink was then applied to the recessed areas, producing deep, velvety shadows that give the branch a subtle three‑dimensional quality. The lines vary between crisp edges and softer, fading transitions, reflecting a controlled yet expressive hand.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the print has remained in the public domain through acquisition by the Museum of Modern Art. Its inclusion in MoMA’s collection underscores the institution’s interest in post‑war Japanese printmaking and provides scholars with access to Hamada’s work within a broader modernist context.