Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Uematsu Tōshū in 1742.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Untitled

Uematsu Tōshū , 1742

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Uematsu Tōshū. It dates from 1742 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1742, this surimono woodblock print by Uematsu Tōshū presents a modest arrangement of artist’s tools and natural objects on a light‑toned paper. The composition includes a few simple brushes with wooden handles and frayed bristles, three small dark shells, and a scattering of feather‑like plant stems, accompanied by a line of handwritten Japanese characters along the left edge.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a study of everyday artistic materials, emphasizing the tactile qualities of brushes and shells that would have been familiar to Edo‑period painters. By juxtaposing these objects with a brief inscription, the print invites contemplation of the tools that enable artistic creation, a theme common in Japanese print culture.

Technique & Style

Uematsu employs the delicate line work characteristic of surimono, using fine, controlled strokes to render the texture of the shells and the frayed brush tips. Subtle ink washes and restrained colour application give the objects a realistic presence while maintaining the flat aesthetic of woodblock printing.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as an example of mid‑18th‑century Japanese woodblock production. Its survival in a major Western institution reflects the broader 19th‑century interest in Japanese prints among European collectors.