Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Katsukawa Shunshō, ink, 1776
Untitled, by Katsukawa Shunshō, ink, 1776

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

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