Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunchō. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunchō, dating to circa 1778, now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts three women in traditional, flowing robes and tall hats, arranged in a line. Their poses, while naturalistic, convey a sense of stylized formality, suggesting a deliberate presentation of elegance.
Technique & Style
Shunchō employed simple, expressive lines and flat, muted colors to achieve a calm, refined atmosphere. The plain background emphasizes the women, highlighting the intricate, swirling patterns on their clothing.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 18th century, the work is characteristic of Shunchō's genre scenes. Its current location is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though earlier ownership details are not specified here.
Context
This piece reflects the ukiyo-e tradition's focus on capturing everyday life and beauty in Edo-period Japan, with a particular emphasis on the attire and demeanor of women from the era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunchō lived in Edo (now Tokyo) during the late 1700s, a time when floating-world prints—colorful scenes of theater, courtesans, and everyday life—were all the rage.
『雛形若菜初模様 玉や内 しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”)
Untitled
『雛形若菜初模様 四ツ目屋内 にしき木』|The Courtesan Nishikigi of the Yotsumeya Brothel, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜の初模様 つたや内 人まち』|The Courtesan Hitomachi of the Tsutaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜の初模様 扇屋内 からうた』|The Courtesan Karauta of the Ōgiya Brothel, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyō”)
Untitled
『雛形若菜の初模様 つるや内 すがたみ』|The Courtesan Sugatami of the Tsuruya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyō”)
The Courtesan Takihime and Attendants (from the series New Patterns of Young Greens)
The Courtesan Kichijuro of Kage Manjiya with Two Kamuro (from the series Models for Fashions: New Designs as Fresh as Young Leaves)
遊君出そめ初衣裳 扇屋内花扇|The Oiran Hanaogi of Ogiya attended by Two Shinzo and Her Kamuro Yoshino
扇屋内春日野わかな こてう|The Oiran Kasugano of Ōgiya on Parade
Untitled