Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Nishikawa Yoshinobu. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1725 by the Edo‑period printmaker Nishikawa Yoshinobu, this woodblock work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed in the urushi‑e technique, the image presents a solitary figure in traditional dress, rendered with restrained coloration and strong line work that convey a calm, dignified presence.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a Japanese man clad in a dark kimono accented with red and gold detailing, a red scarf tied at his throat, and a large parasol held in his left hand. His gaze is lowered, a faint smile playing on his lips, suggesting contemplation or modesty, while his relaxed stance adds a sense of quiet poise.
Technique & Style
Printed from carved wooden blocks, the piece employs ink and limited pigments typical of urushi‑e, a style noted for its use of lacquer‑like black outlines. The artist balances muted hues with bold, precise lines that define the folds of the garment and the parasol’s ribs, achieving a harmonious blend of simplicity and decorative detail.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Nishikawa Yoshinobu, an active printmaker in early eighteenth‑century Japan, the work entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century. Its dating to the mid‑1720s places it within a period of flourishing ukiyo‑e production, reflecting contemporary tastes for refined portraiture.
Artist & collection
