Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Totoya Hokkei in 1825.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Totoya Hokkei , 1825

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Totoya Hokkei. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1825, this surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The image presents a pair of elderly men in traditional attire, rendered with vivid reds, greens and blues against an unadorned background. Their solemn expressions and distinctive accessories give the work a narrative quality that invites close observation.

Subject & Meaning

The juxtaposition of standing and seated postures, along with the objects they hold, suggests a scene of ritual or scholarly exchange.

The composition features two bearded figures dressed in historic robes and hats. The left-hand figure grips a long staff and wears a dark, patterned sash, while the right-hand figure, seated, holds a fan and is clothed in a red‑and‑black patterned kimono, gazing downward. The juxtaposition of standing and seated postures, along with the objects they hold, suggests a scene of ritual or scholarly exchange.

Technique & Style

Executed as a surimono, the print employs a limited palette of bold colors applied in flat washes, contrasted by crisp, precise line work. Hokkei’s handling of the woodblock allows the intricate patterns on the garments to stand out sharply against the plain backdrop, creating a graphic effect reminiscent of a detailed sketch brought to life.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the early Edo period, a time when surimono were often commissioned for private gatherings and poetry societies. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it remains catalogued as an example of Hokkei’s contribution to the genre of decorative prints.