Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kubo Shunman. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1820 by the Edo‑period artist Kubo Shunman, this surimono woodblock print measures a modest size and is executed in ink and color on paper. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the title Untitled.
Subject & Meaning
The image centers on a solitary rabbit positioned amid a meadow of tall grasses and wildflowers. The animal’s ears stand erect, suggesting alertness, while surrounding flora such as dandelions and vines convey a quiet, natural setting. Japanese script frames the composition, offering a lyrical accompaniment that hints at a poetic observation of the scene.
Technique & Style
Shunman employs the surimono technique, a specialized form of woodblock printing reserved for private commissions. Delicate line work defines the rabbit’s fur, using fine cross‑hatching to render texture and subtle shading. The color application is restrained, allowing the inked outlines to dominate and give the composition a balanced, understated elegance.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the early nineteenth‑century Japanese market for limited‑edition books and personal gifts. It entered the Metropolitan Museum’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition, reflecting the museum’s broader effort to represent Edo‑period printmaking within its Asian art collection.
Artist & collection
