Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Katsukawa Shunshō, ink, 1782
Untitled, by Katsukawa Shunshō, ink, 1782

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, created by Katsukawa Shunshō around 1782, is a representative example of nishiki-e, a style of Japanese printmaking characterized by multiple colors. It is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a kneeling man holding a sword and a fan, wearing a robe with geometric patterns and a family crest. The plain background emphasizes the figure, suggesting a focus on the individual rather than the surroundings.

Technique & Style

The artist employed flat colors and sharp lines, prioritizing bold shapes over realistic details. This stylistic choice creates a striking visual effect, characteristic of Shunshō's work in the nishiki-e tradition.

Artist & collection

Artist

Katsukawa Shunshō

Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.