Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Torii Kiyonaga, ink, 1781
Untitled, by Torii Kiyonaga, ink, 1781

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Torii Kiyonaga. It dates from 1781 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga, created around 1781, and is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It is a representative example of a ukiyo-e print, a genre that flourished in Japan during the Edo period.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene domestic scene with four individuals in a tatami-matted room. A standing woman holds a fan, while a kneeling man plays a stringed instrument, accompanied by another man. A servant in the background carries a tray with tea utensils, suggesting a tranquil, everyday moment.

Technique & Style

The print showcases the characteristic thin, precise lines of Japanese woodblock printing, used to convey fabric folds, shadows, and other details. The artist's use of linework creates a sense of depth and visual interest, contributing to the overall calm yet busy atmosphere of the scene.

Artist & collection