Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Suzuki Harunobu, ink, 1770
Untitled, by Suzuki Harunobu, ink, 1770

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, created by Suzuki Harunobu in 1770, is a notable example of Japanese ukiyo-e art. Currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it showcases the artist's characteristic use of ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate scene by a lake, featuring two women engaged in a quiet interaction. One, seated on the shore in a simple kimono, contemplates with her hand to her mouth, while the other, standing in the water in a decorated skirt, reaches toward her. A crab at the standing woman's feet adds a subtle detail.

Technique & Style

Harunobu's technique is marked by soft, balanced colors and clean lines, maintaining harmony throughout the composition. The distant hills, a small building, and figures in the background are rendered with restraint, focusing attention on the central figures.

History & Provenance

Created in 1770, this print is a product of Harunobu's active period in Edo (now Tokyo). Its current residence at The Metropolitan Museum of Art reflects its global recognition and preservation.

Context

As a ukiyo-e artist, Harunobu's work, including this print, was influenced by the cultural and aesthetic trends of 18th-century Japan, often capturing everyday life and natural beauty.

Legacy

This print, like much of Harunobu's oeuvre, contributes to the enduring legacy of ukiyo-e in Japanese art history, appreciated for its serene and nuanced depiction of life.

Artist & collection