Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Ippitsusai Bunchō. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created around 1770 by the Edo‑period artist Ippitsusai Bunchō, portrays a solitary woman in a refined kimono standing before a low table. The composition is rendered in ink and color on paper, and the work belongs to the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is a woman with her hair arranged in an updo, holding a round object behind her back while a modest spread of tea implements rests on the table. A small potted plant appears in the upper left corner, contributing to an atmosphere of quiet domesticity and understated elegance.
Technique & Style
Executed with traditional woodblock methods, the print combines monochrome line work with delicate washes of color. The artist employs a muted palette, allowing the yellow of the kimono and subtle background tones to convey softness. Fine carving yields intricate patterns on the garment and precise rendering of the tableware.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the late 18th century, a period when ukiyo‑e prints often depicted everyday scenes and fashionable attire. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on view as an example of Bunchō’s contribution to the genre.
Artist & collection
