Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Suzuki Harunobu in 1766.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Suzuki Harunobu , 1766

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1766, this untitled woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu presents a lively outdoor scene in which a woman in a pink kimono assists a young boy in launching a kite shaped like a carp. Two onlookers stand behind them, observing the activity under a muted gray sky. The composition is dominated by vivid reds, blues and greens that contrast with the background.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a moment of everyday leisure in Edo‑period Japan, emphasizing family interaction and seasonal recreation. The carp‑shaped kite, a symbol of perseverance and good fortune, underscores the cultural significance of kite‑flying as a communal pastime, while the presence of both genders reflects the inclusive nature of such festivities.

Technique & Style

Harunobu employed a multi‑block color process, carving a separate woodblock for each hue and printing them sequentially onto a single sheet of paper. This method, relatively novel at the time, allowed for the bright, saturated palette evident in the red kimono, blue sky accents and green foliage, moving beyond the earlier reliance on monochrome or hand‑applied color.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to the early phase of nishiki-e, or full‑color woodblock prints, which emerged in the mid‑1760s. Prior to this development, most ukiyo‑e prints were produced in black ink with optional hand‑coloring. Harunobu’s innovation contributed to the rapid spread of polychrome prints throughout Japan, influencing subsequent artists and publishers.

Context

Set against a soft, overcast sky, the scene reflects the seasonal atmosphere of late spring or early summer, when kite‑flying was popular among urban residents. The inclusion of a young boy and his caretaker highlights the transmission of cultural practices across generations within the bustling neighborhoods of Edo.