Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Kitao Masayoshi, ink, 1789
Untitled, by Kitao Masayoshi, ink, 1789

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Masayoshi. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Kuwagata Keisai's 'Untitled' (1789) is a woodblock print on paper, combining ink and color. The work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays a serene rural scene: a man in traditional Japanese clothing leads a lamb on a rope, accompanied by a child carrying a basket and glancing back at the animal. The composition conveys a sense of peaceful interaction between humans, nature, and animals.

Technique & Style

The woodblock print features muted colors and gentle, suggestive lines, evoking calmness. Notable details include the intricate patterns on the man's attire and the textured representation of the lamb's fur, showcasing the artist's attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1789, 'Untitled' is now held in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though its history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

As a late 18th-century woodblock print, 'Untitled' reflects the ukiyo-e tradition's emphasis on everyday life and natural beauty, though its specific themes and serene tone may set it apart from more common subjects of the time.

Legacy

While 'Untitled' contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, its individual impact or influence on later artistic movements is not prominently highlighted in available information.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Kitao Masayoshi

Artist

Kitao Masayoshi

Kitao Masayoshi (1764–1824) was a Japanese artist, born in Edo.