Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shuntei in 1816.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Katsukawa Shuntei , 1816

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shuntei. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1816, this surimono woodblock print by Katsukawa Shuntei depicts a solitary woman seated on a low stool. Rendered in ink and vivid pigments on paper, the composition is framed by a sparse background that includes a brief line of Japanese script. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The figure wears a striking red and black kimono, her posture relaxed as she holds a folding fan. A feather‑adorned hat with a black veil crowns her head, while a small box behind her contains a pine branch bearing red berries, suggesting seasonal or poetic symbolism common in Edo‑period imagery.

Technique & Style

Executed as a surimono, the print employs bold, flat areas of color and simplified geometric shapes to delineate the garment’s pattern and the fan’s details. The artist emphasizes contrast between the bright reds and deep blacks, allowing the decorative elements to stand out against an otherwise minimal background.

History & Provenance

Katsukawa Shuntei, active in the early nineteenth century, produced this piece for a private poetry or literary circle, as was typical for surimono prints. The work entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it remains on display as an example of Edo‑period private printmaking.

Context

Surimono were luxury prints often commissioned for special occasions, featuring refined craftsmanship and elaborate designs not intended for mass distribution. Shuntei’s choice of a solitary, elegantly dressed woman aligns with contemporary trends that celebrated feminine beauty, seasonal motifs, and the interplay of text and image in Japanese visual culture.