Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Eiraku Hozen in 1848.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Nihonga.

Artwork

Untitled

Eiraku Hozen , 1848

Untitled is an ink painting by the Nihonga artist Eiraku Hozen. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1848, this hanging scroll by Eiraku Hozen presents a winter landscape rendered in ink on paper. The composition centers on a snowy field occupied by two foxes—one upright, the other curled in sleep—offering a quiet glimpse into an everyday moment rather than a formal allegory.

Subject & Meaning

While foxes in Japanese visual culture are frequently associated with cunning or good fortune, the animals here appear unembellished and weary, emphasizing their natural state over symbolic interpretation. The scene suggests a private, contemplative pause rather than a didactic lesson.

Technique & Style

Hozen employs swift, loose brushwork that allows the ink to spread and bleed, evoking the translucence of frost melting on the ground. The fluid handling of the medium captures both the chill of the environment and the softness of the foxes' fur, creating a sense of immediacy.

Context

The scroll was produced shortly after a period of stringent artistic regulations, when painters began to explore more personal and informal subjects. This shift is reflected in the work's intimate atmosphere, marking a move away from overt moralizing toward everyday observation.