Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1791 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled triptych, created by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1791, is a woodblock print series executed in ink and color on paper, now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The triptych depicts a sequence of everyday scenes involving women near water, implying a narrative of bathing or leisure. The three panels show women engaging in preparatory, active, and post-bathing activities, respectively.
Technique & Style
Utamaro employed soft, expressive lines and a muted color palette to convey the fluidity of water and the texture of fabric. The women's relaxed yet dynamic poses, accompanied by loose clothing and flowing hair, add to the serene and intimate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in 1791, the work is attributed to Kitagawa Utamaro, a prominent figure in Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing. It is currently held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
As a genre scene focused on bathing, the triptych reflects a common theme in ukiyo-e art, which often explored everyday life and leisure activities of the time, particularly among the emerging middle class in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
Artist & collection



















