Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Okumura Masanobu, ink, 1740
Untitled, by Okumura Masanobu, ink, 1740

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Okumura Masanobu. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print (urushi-e) created by Okumura Masanobu in 1740, currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a armored warrior on a rearing horse, set against a simple landscape backdrop featuring trees and a distant building. The scene emphasizes the warrior's weaponry and armor, suggesting themes of martial prowess.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold black outlines, the print contrasts flat, bright colors (notably gold, black, and brown) with no shading. Intricate details, such as the horse's muscles and armor elements, are rendered in sharp, etching-like lines.

History & Provenance

Created in 1740 by Okumura Masanobu, the work's history prior to its acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

While specific contextual influences are not provided, the print's stylistic use of flat colors and sharp lines situates it within the broader practices of 18th-century Japanese woodblock printing, potentially reflecting the era's aesthetic preferences.

Legacy

The print's impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements is not specified in the available information.

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.