Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Eiju, ink, 1795
Untitled, by Eiju, ink, 1795

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Eiju. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Eiju's 'Untitled' (1795) is a woodblock print portrait executed in ink and color on paper, currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in profile, distinguished by a tall, ribbon-tied black hat. Her attire is simple yet meticulously detailed, with a patterned sleeve and layered fabric visible under her arm. Her actions suggest literary or artistic engagement, as one hand holds a writing instrument while the other rests on her lap.

Technique & Style

The composition features bold black outlines and flat, colored areas. Selective use of cross-hatching introduces texture, notably in the hat's ribbon and the fabric patterns, which serve as focal points amidst a plain background designed to emphasize the subject's face and distinctive headwear.

History & Provenance

Created in 1795, the work is attributed to Eiju. Its current holdings are at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though earlier ownership history is not specified in available details.

Context

While specific contextual details about the subject's identity or the work's inspiration are not provided, the piece reflects late 18th-century Japanese woodblock print aesthetics, with its balance of simplicity and detailed ornamentation.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Untitled' is not extensively outlined in the provided information, though its inclusion in a prominent museum collection like The Metropolitan Museum of Art suggests recognition of its artistic or historical value within the realm of Japanese woodblock printing.

Artist & collection

Artist

Eiju

Japanese, active ca. 1789–1801