Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ishikawa Toyonobu. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1745, this hand‑colored woodblock print is attributed to the Edo‑period artist Ishikawa Toyonobu. Executed in ink and pigments on paper, the work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays a woman dressed in a tall, striped kimono of black and yellow, holding a fan and a small object while her other hand rests on her hip. Her hair is arranged in a high style, accented by a black headpiece, and a dark sash drapes over her shoulder. The composition centers the figure against a plain backdrop, emphasizing her presence.
Technique & Style
Toyonobu employs bold, precise lines to delineate the garment and facial features, while the hand‑applied colors give the black and yellow stripes a vivid contrast. Delicate floral motifs appear in the background, rendered in lighter tones that allow the central figure to dominate the visual field.
History & Provenance
The print has been documented as part of Toyonobu’s output in the mid‑18th century, a period when ukiyo‑e artists increasingly produced hand‑colored works for a growing market. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition, where it remains on view as an example of early Edo‑period printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ishikawa Toyonobu spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he carved and printed the everyday scenes of city life.
