Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1750, this woodblock print is attributed to Suzuki Harunobu, a pioneering figure in Japanese multicolour printing. The work combines ink and pigments on paper, presenting a nocturnal garden scene populated by two women, one illuminated by a lantern, with drifting cherry blossoms framing the composition.
Subject & Meaning
Although the title is absent, the image references the historic Battle of Ishibashiyama, featuring figures such as Kajiwara Kagetoki and Minamoto no Yoritomo. The juxtaposition of the martial theme with a tranquil garden suggests a reflective meditation on the fleeting nature of power and the enduring beauty of everyday life.
Technique & Style
Harunobu employed the emerging nishiki-e method, which allowed for the simultaneous use of multiple colour blocks. The resulting palette is soft and translucent, evoking the effect of watercolor despite being produced through woodblock printing. The women wear flowing haori, rendered with delicate line work that captures the texture of fabric.
History & Provenance
The print belongs to the early phase of full‑colour ukiyo‑e production, a period when artists transitioned from monochrome or hand‑coloured prints to fully polychrome editions. Harunobu’s innovations in this era helped establish the commercial viability of colour prints in Edo‑period Japan.
Context
In mid‑18th‑century Japan, woodblock prints served both as popular entertainment and as visual records of historical narratives. By integrating a well‑known battle with a serene garden scene, the work reflects contemporary tastes for blending literary or historical subjects with the aesthetic pleasures of everyday settings.
Artist & collection
