Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Suzuki Harunobu, ink, 1762
Untitled, by Suzuki Harunobu, ink, 1762

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, created circa 1762 by Suzuki Harunobu, is a representation of a serene domestic moment. Executed in ink and color on paper, it is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in a vibrantly patterned red and white kimono, kneeling on a wooden porch. She is engaged in lighting a paper lantern with a stick of firewood, conveying a sense of quiet, everyday activity.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft coloration and meticulous line work, the print showcases Harunobu's attention to detail, evident in the rendering of light on the lantern, the wood's texture, and the subject's neatly styled hair.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid-18th century, the work is attributed to Suzuki Harunobu, a prominent figure in Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Context

Part of the ukiyo-e tradition, this print reflects the genre's focus on capturing aspects of everyday life, nature, and the human form, often with a sense of intimacy and tranquility.

Legacy

As a work by Suzuki Harunobu, it contributes to the artist's reputation for delicate, detailed prints that offer glimpses into 18th-century Japanese daily life and aesthetics.

Artist & collection