Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Okumura Masanobu, ink
Untitled, by Okumura Masanobu, ink

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Okumura Masanobu. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled monochrome woodblock print, dated to 1890, is the work of Japanese artist Okumura Masanobu and is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a scene of everyday life, showing a group of individuals, all in traditional Japanese attire, walking down a street. Some figures are engaged in carrying items such as boxes or fans, capturing a moment of mundane activity.

Technique & Style

The artist utilized a range of grays to achieve depth and texture. Foreground elements, including people and objects, are rendered in darker, more defined tones, while background features, such as buildings and a fence, fade into lighter, softer grays.

History & Provenance

Created in 1890 by Okumura Masanobu, the print is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though specific details of its acquisition history are not provided here.

Context

This work reflects late 19th-century Japanese life, preserving a visual record of traditional clothing and urban scenery of the time. It also showcases the artist's adaptation of woodblock printing techniques to capture daily life scenes.

Legacy

As part of Okumura Masanobu's oeuvre, this print contributes to the broader legacy of Japanese woodblock printing, influencing subsequent generations of artists in capturing everyday themes through this medium.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Okumura Masanobu

Artist

Okumura Masanobu

Okumura Masanobu lived in Edo (now Tokyo) when the city was a flashy, fast-growing hub of theater, gossip, and new ideas.