Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1742 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled woodblock print (nishiki-e) by Katsukawa Shunshō, dated 1742, is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Executed in ink and color on paper, it depicts a figure in elaborate attire.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a man in a long, patterned robe with wide sleeves, holds a fan in one hand and a sword in the other, suggesting dual roles or attributes, possibly indicating a warrior or nobleman.
Technique & Style
The print features muted tones (browns, grays, soft pinks) with select bright accents, alongside sharp lines and nuanced shading to create depth, particularly in the fabric folds.
History & Provenance
Created in 1742 by Katsukawa Shunshō, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
This work reflects Shunshō's influence on Japanese theater prints, a genre he significantly impacted during his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.



















