Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a diptych of woodblock prints created by Katsukawa Shunshō in 1776, comprising two sheets of paper printed with ink and color.
Subject & Meaning
The diptych depicts two male figures in elaborate attire, likely portraying actors from a traditional Japanese theater. Their colorful robes and tall black hats are the primary focus, with simple backgrounds that emphasize their poses and clothing.
Technique & Style
The prints feature a mix of bold stripes and soft floral patterns, achieved through the nishiki-e technique of multicolored woodblock printing. The figures' stylized representation and attention to costume detail are characteristic of ukiyo-e prints, which often depicted theatrical performances.
History & Provenance
The diptych is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing a notable example of Shunshō's work within the museum's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.



















