Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Momokawa Shiko II in 1800.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Momokawa Shiko II , 1800

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Momokawa Shiko II. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around the turn of the nineteenth century, this woodblock print by Momokawa Shiko II is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the work presents a quiet, intimate scene that invites close observation of its modest figures and subtle setting.

Subject & Meaning

A small bird perched between them and scattered objects on a patterned mat add a domestic, contemplative atmosphere.

The composition features two individuals in a moment of stillness. The figure on the left, cloaked in dark garments and holding a patterned fan, rests a hand on the cheek, while the companion on the right, wearing a black hat with red detailing, leans forward with a hand near the face. A small bird perched between them and scattered objects on a patterned mat add a domestic, contemplative atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Shiko employs pronounced black outlines to delineate folds of clothing, the fan, and surrounding objects, creating a sense of depth through varied line work. Soft hues of pink, green, and earth tones fill the scene, while stark black‑and‑white contrasts emphasize form. The use of fine cross‑hatching within shadows demonstrates the artist’s skill in building texture on a flat surface.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Momokawa Shiko II, an active ukiyo‑e printer in the early nineteenth century, the print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century. Its provenance reflects the broader Western interest in Japanese woodblock prints that grew after the opening of Japan and the subsequent influx of such works into museum collections.