Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Torii Kiyotomo, ink, 1720
Untitled, by Torii Kiyotomo, ink, 1720

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Torii Kiyotomo. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, created around 1720 by Torii Kiyotomo, is a representative example of Japanese printmaking from the early 18th century. It is a hand-colored print made with ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a figure wearing vibrant, intricately patterned clothing, accessorized with a fan, bag, and staff. The attire and props suggest a connection to the actor tradition in Japanese woodblock prints, where figures often represented characters from theater performances.

Technique & Style

The print's bold colors, including reds, blacks, and golds, contrast with its light background. Sharp lines and hand-drawn patterns characterize the image, reflecting the typical style of Japanese woodblock prints from this period.

History & Provenance

The print is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Its creation date of around 1720 situates it within the early stages of the Torii school, a lineage of Japanese artists known for their work in ukiyo-e printmaking.

Artist & collection