Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1766, this nishiki-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunshō is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the work exemplifies the multi‑color technique that defined the period’s popular prints. Its composition centers on a solitary figure moving beneath a slanted roof, rendered with bold outlines and vivid pigments.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays a man in a dark, loosely draped robe, barefoot, clutching a sword in one hand and a fan in the other. His hair is tied back and his expression is intent as he walks along a rough path. The sparse background—minimal grass lines and a sky suggested by diagonal strokes—focuses attention on the figure’s purposeful motion.
Technique & Style
Shunshō employs the nishiki-e method, layering separate woodblocks for each hue to achieve bright, saturated colors. Strong outlines define the figure, while diagonal lines on the roof and fan create a sense of dynamism, possibly implying rain or swift movement. The limited use of cross‑hatching adds texture to the robe and ground without overwhelming the composition.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the mid‑eighteenth century, a prolific era for ukiyo‑e artists catering to a growing urban audience. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it remains catalogued as an untitled work by Shunshō, reflecting the artist’s focus on everyday subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.
