Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunzan in 1790.

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 Shunzan , 1790

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunzan. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Katsukawa Shunzan’s untitled woodblock print, dated 1790, depicts three women poised on a balcony overlooking a garden and distant mountains. The central figure holds a fan and a small, arrow‑like object, while the companions carry round bags. Their long robes feature floral motifs and wide sleeves, and subtle hints of footwear emerge from beneath the skirts.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a domestic scene of refined leisure, emphasizing the elegance of feminine attire and accessories such as fans, hats, and bags. The inclusion of a garden vista suggests an appreciation of nature’s backdrop, while the arrow‑shaped object may hint at symbolic or narrative elements common in Edo‑period genre prints.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodblock, the image combines ink outlines with applied color, employing cross‑hatching and fine line work to render shading and texture. The delicate rendering of fabrics, patterns, and the distant landscape demonstrates Shunzan’s skill in balancing detailed foreground figures with atmospheric background tones.

History & Provenance

Created in the late eighteenth century, the print is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent Japanese ukiyo‑e works from the Edo period, preserving examples of Katsukawa school prints.