Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunkaku. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1796 by the Edo‑period artist Katsukawa Shunkaku, this woodblock print measures a modest size and is executed in ink and color on paper. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued without a formal title.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a solitary figure dressed in a long, flowing robe with wide sleeves, a tall hat featuring a curved brim, and a small black box held at the side. A round fan is lifted above the head, suggesting a theatrical or ceremonial pose typical of period performance attire.
Technique & Style
Shunkaku employs the characteristic ukiyo‑e approach of strong, clean outlines and areas of flat, unmodulated color. The background is reduced to minimal lines suggesting a road and scattered rocks, allowing the figure’s costume and accessories to dominate the visual field.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century, reflecting the museum’s broader effort to represent Japanese printmaking. Its unsigned status and lack of a specific title are common among works of this genre, which were often produced for commercial distribution.
Artist & collection
