Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Kawase Hasui in 1932.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Kawase Hasui , 1932

Untitled is an ink print by Kawase Hasui. It dates from 1932 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1932, this untitled woodcut by Japanese printmaker Kawase Hasui is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed in a pale‑blue paper with soft‑gray ink, the image depicts a rain‑slicked street scene where umbrellas appear as dark blossoms against the wet pavement.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a quiet urban moment after a rainstorm, emphasizing the interplay of light and moisture. The subdued palette and the gentle glow of streetlights convey a sense of calm and transience, inviting viewers to contemplate everyday urban life under inclement weather.

Technique & Style

Hasui carved each raindrop individually, employing multiple impressions of the same block to achieve a layered effect that suggests falling rain. The delicate gradations of tone are produced by successive pressings, a method he applied across many of his prints, resulting in subtle variations between copies.

History & Provenance

The print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings as part of its mid‑20th‑century Japanese print collection. Since its acquisition, it has been displayed in exhibitions focusing on modern Japanese woodcut traditions and the evolution of urban landscape imagery.