Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Tōshū in 1794.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Tōshū , 1794

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Tōshū. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Most prints of the time showed actors in full costume; here, the actor’s face fills the whole sheet.

A man in a dark robe holds a paper lantern close to his face. His eyes are wide, his mouth half-open, as if caught mid-speech. The background is flat and shiny, like crushed pearl.

Sharaku made this print in 1794 to advertise a kabuki actor. Most prints of the time showed actors in full costume; here, the actor’s face fills the whole sheet. The white mica background makes the ink glow under light.

Look up *men, actors, lanterns* to see more prints of kabuki stars from the same era.

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, dated 1794, featuring a portrait of the kabuki actor Bandō Hikosaburō III alongside a lantern.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures Bandō Hikosaburō III in a contemplative, mid-expression pose, holding a lantern close to his face. Unconventional for its time, the composition focuses intensely on the actor’s face, filling the entire sheet.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink, color, and white mica on paper, the print utilizes the reflective quality of mica to create a luminous, flat background, contrasting with the detailed, expressive facial features of the subject.

History & Provenance

Created in 1794 as an advertisement for the actor, this work deviates from the common practice of depicting kabuki actors in full, elaborate costumes.