Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1769 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1769 by the Edo‑period printmaker Suzuki Harunobu, this woodblock work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the piece exemplifies the ukiyo‑e tradition of depicting ordinary moments with refined simplicity.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a domestic interior: a woman leans forward to pour water from a pot while a partially clothed child reaches toward her face. The setting includes tatami flooring, green‑painted walls, and a bamboo screen, suggesting a modest household environment.
Technique & Style
Harunobu employs flat areas of color and precise line work, characteristic of his approach to woodblock printing. The composition balances clear outlines with subtle tonal variations, giving the figures a lively presence without elaborate shading.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the print has remained in private and institutional hands before entering the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its attribution to Harunobu is supported by stylistic analysis and documented catalogues of his oeuvre.
Context
The work belongs to a broader genre of everyday life scenes that flourished in mid‑18th‑century Japan, reflecting a growing interest in the quotidian experiences of common people. Such images often served both decorative and narrative functions in the domestic sphere.
Artist & collection
