Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Ippitsusai Bunchō in 1742.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Untitled

Ippitsusai Bunchō , 1742

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ippitsusai Bunchō. It dates from 1742 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1742, this woodblock print by Ippitsusai Bunchō is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the work presents a solitary figure in a richly patterned robe kneeling beside a horse, set against a stark, jagged background that suggests sudden movement or atmospheric tension.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, dressed in a long, flower‑adorned robe with wide sleeves, holds a scroll in one hand while a sword hangs at his side, indicating a scholarly or ceremonial role. His kneeling posture beside the alert horse, whose head is turned sharply, may imply a moment of reverence, instruction, or a narrative scene drawn from contemporary literature or folklore.

Technique & Style

Bunchō employs delicate cross‑hatching to render the texture of the horse’s mane and the folds of the robe, creating depth through intersecting lines. The palette combines muted tones with striking accents, allowing the figure’s attire to stand out against the pale, lightning‑like background. The composition balances precise line work with fluid color washes typical of mid‑Edo period prints.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the mid‑Edo period, a time when woodblock publishing flourished in Japan. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition, though the exact path of ownership prior to that remains undocumented in public records.

Context

Ippitsusai Bunchō was active in the early 1740s, known for his elegant depictions of courtly and literary subjects. This work reflects the era’s fascination with samurai culture and scholarly pursuits, merging refined costume design with dynamic animal portrayal, a common motif in ukiyo‑e prints intended for a cultured urban audience.