Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Torii Kiyomitsu. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1756 by the Edo‑period artist Torii Kiyomitsu, this woodblock print measures a modest size and is executed in ink and color on paper. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑18th‑century Japanese printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a solitary woman dressed in a long robe patterned with gray and orange motifs. She carries a utilitarian woven basket on her back and adjusts the sleeve of her garment with one hand. Her hair is neatly arranged, and she wears simple sandals, suggesting a scene of everyday activity rather than a formal portrait.
Technique & Style
Kiyomitsu employs the characteristic clean lines and flat areas of color typical of the Torii school, while also incorporating cross‑hatching to suggest texture on the fabric and basket. Bold outlines define the figure against an unadorned background, directing the viewer’s attention to the precise rendering of the woman's attire and the practical object she bears.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, reflecting the museum’s long‑standing interest in Japanese ukiyo‑e prints. Its provenance prior to the museum remains undocumented in public records, a common situation for many works of this period that circulated widely among merchants and collectors.
Artist & collection
