Artwork

Untitled

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

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

About this work

Overview

Okumura Masanobu's Untitled is a woodblock print on paper, created around 1740s-1760s, featuring a pair of figures in a decorative setting.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman standing behind a green curtain, holding a fan, and a kneeling man holding a sword, both dressed in intricately patterned clothing. Their interaction and the surrounding floral garland suggest a serene, elegant scene.

Technique & Style

The image is characterized by flat, bright colors and geometric patterns on the woman's robe, contrasting with the more fluid designs on the man's attire, showcasing the artist's use of color and pattern to create visual interest.

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.