Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Isoda Koryūsai, ink, 1762
Untitled, by Isoda Koryūsai, ink, 1762

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Isoda Koryūsai. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, created by Isoda Koryūsai in 1762, is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Executed in ink and color on paper, it presents a serene landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a solitary figure in a loose robe, seated on the ground with a walking stick, contemplatively facing a dominant mountain. Below, a small, tranquil village nestles near a river, evoking a sense of peaceful coexistence between human presence and nature.

Technique & Style

Koryūsai achieved depth and dimension through layered ink and color, notably in the wispy clouds and the mountain's solid form. The technique of building lines in layers, akin to cross-hatching, was employed to create shadows and define the mountain's structure.

History & Provenance

Created in 1762 by Isoda Koryūsai, this print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with its provenance prior to museum acquisition not detailed here.

Context

Emerging from 18th-century Japanese woodblock printing traditions, this work reflects the era's emphasis on capturing serene, natural landscapes and the human figure in contemplative harmony with the environment.

Legacy

While specific influence or renown of this particular piece is not highlighted, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Isoda Koryūsai's contributions to Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing and the evolution of landscape depiction in the genre.

Artist & collection