Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Torii Kiyonobu. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1704, this woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu I depicts a brief outdoor scene rendered in ink and color on paper. The composition centers on two figures, one sheltering under a large, patterned umbrella and the other holding a fan and a basket of flowers. The work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a casual encounter between two individuals in a modest setting, suggested by a simple fence and a doorway. Their attire—one in a vivid patterned kimono, the other in a striped short‑sleeved garment marked by a prominent black circle—highlights personal style and perhaps social distinction within an everyday moment.
Technique & Style
Kiyonobu employs bold, defining black lines that outline the figures, reminiscent of a sketch that is later filled with flat areas of color. The limited background reduces visual distraction, while the use of cross‑hatching in shadowed zones creates depth without elaborate detailing, a hallmark of early Edo‑period woodblock aesthetics.
History & Provenance
The print, attributed to Torii Kiyonobu I, a leading figure of the Torii school, dates to the early 18th century, a period when ukiyo‑e prints began to flourish in urban Japan. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on display as an example of early commercial printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Torii Kiyonobu I (Japanese: 鳥居 清信; c. 1664 – 22 August 1729) was a Japanese painter and printmaker in the ukiyo-e style, who is renowned for his work on kabuki signboards and related materials. Along with his father…
