Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunkō in 1787.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Katsukawa Shunkō , 1787

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunkō. It dates from 1787 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1787 by the Edo‑period artist Katsukawa Shunkō, this work is the central panel of a three‑part woodblock series. Executed with ink and color on paper, the print measures the typical size of a triptych sheet and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts an intimate interior where three figures share a quiet moment. A woman on the left holds a fan and wears a kimono patterned with floral motifs; a man in a green robe sits playing a stringed instrument, while a child kneels nearby clutching a woven basket. The composition suggests domestic harmony and the everyday pleasures of music and family life.

Technique & Style

Shunkō employs the ukiyo‑e woodblock method, using clean line work and flat, muted pigments to delineate forms. Subtle gradations are achieved through fine cross‑hatching, which creates soft shadows without disrupting the overall flatness. The careful rendering of textiles and objects reflects the artist’s attention to detail within the medium’s constraints.

History & Provenance

The print has remained in the public domain since its production in the late 18th century, eventually entering the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its acquisition records indicate it was obtained as part of a broader acquisition of Japanese prints, underscoring the museum’s long‑standing interest in Edo‑period graphic art.