Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Shibata Zeshin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Created in 1800 by the Japanese printmaker Reisai, this surimono woodblock print presents a modest yet carefully arranged still life.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1800 by the Japanese printmaker Reisai, this surimono woodblock print presents a modest yet carefully arranged still life. Rendered in ink and color on paper, the composition centers on a leaning stack of books positioned against a folded paper screen, with the upper volume opened to reveal illuminated pages.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on books as objects of knowledge and leisure, emphasizing their physical presence through the tilted stack and the play of light on the opened pages. The intimate setting suggests a private, contemplative moment, inviting viewers to consider the value of reading and the tactile experience of handling texts.
Technique & Style
Reisai executed the image by hand‑carving each line onto separate woodblocks, then printing them sequentially, a process typical of surimono prints intended for exclusive audiences. The palette employs soft yet vivid hues that seem to glow, while delicate shading conveys the subtle gleam of light on paper surfaces.
History & Provenance
Produced for small, private gatherings, this print belongs to the tradition of limited‑edition surimono that were exchanged as gifts among connoisseurs. Its rarity reflects the specialized nature of the commissions, and the piece has remained within collections that value such intimate, artist‑driven works.
Artist & collection
