Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Sugimura Jihei Masataka. It dates from 1685 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1685, this monochrome woodblock print by Sugimura Jihei Masataka is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Rendered entirely in black ink on paper, the image presents two figures in dynamic postures, each adorned with tall hats and richly patterned robes, set against a stark, high‑contrast background.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features a seated individual on a stool, clutching a sword and a candle, with a fan and tray nearby, while a kneeling figure holds a sword and turns slightly away. The elaborate floral and leaf motifs on their garments suggest a ceremonial or theatrical context, though the print remains untitled, leaving its narrative open to interpretation.
Technique & Style
Sugimura employs thick, assertive lines to delineate form, creating a sense of volume despite the absence of color. Cross‑hatching and varied line weight generate shadows and texture, giving the figures a three‑dimensional presence. The swirling patterns on the clothing are rendered with precise, repetitive strokes that emphasize movement and decorative detail.
History & Provenance
The work dates to the late 17th century, a period when Japanese woodblock printing was expanding beyond purely illustrative purposes. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, though specific details of its earlier ownership remain undocumented in the museum’s records.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sugimura Jihei spent his short life in Edo, today’s Tokyo, making bold prints of kabuki actors and courtesans.
