Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled woodblock print (surimono) by Katsushika Hokusai, dated to 1826, is a genre scene held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a woman in a vibrant robe playing a flute, enveloped by flowing fabric and accompanied by a large bird, possibly a phoenix, with outstretched wings. Her elaborate hairstyle, crowned by a headpiece, and the intricate details of her clothing and the bird's plumage convey an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink and color on paper, the print showcases Hokusai's meticulous attention to pattern and texture, set against a subdued background that highlights the subject's opulence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1826, the work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, though specific details of its provenance before acquisition are not provided here.
Context
While the piece embodies traditional Japanese aesthetic values, suggesting a connection to the broader themes of beauty and serenity in Japanese art, the mention of exploring Romanticism for similar styles indicates a recognized cross-cultural appeal in its emotional and thematic depth.
Legacy
As a surimono by Hokusai, this print contributes to the artist's legacy in woodblock printing, though its specific impact or influence within his oeuvre or the broader art historical canon is not detailed here.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he drew and carved prints for a living.



















