Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, ink, 1829
Untitled, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, ink, 1829

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print (surimono) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, dated to 1829, is a genre scene characterized by bold colors and intricate details. Currently, it is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a figure in a dramatic, kneeling pose, adorned in a hybrid of armor and robes, accompanied by a sword, a wide-brimmed hat, and an arm cloth. One hand holds either a fan or a scroll, while a bird is visible in the background, potentially symbolizing freedom or a message.

Technique & Style

Kuniyoshi employed bold, vibrant colors (notably deep greens, reds, and blacks) alongside sharp, defining lines. Fine lines were used to create textured effects, particularly evident on the figure's face and armor. Japanese text on the right may provide contextual or poetic insight.

History & Provenance

Created in 1829, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not detailed here. Its current residence suggests it has been preserved for public viewing and study.

Context

As a surimono, this print was likely produced in limited quantities for special occasions or private circles, distinguishing it from more widely distributed ukiyo-e prints. The mix of armor and robes may allude to a transitional or ceremonial context.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of this piece are not highlighted, its preservation in a major museum contributes to the broader appreciation of Utagawa Kuniyoshi's work and 19th-century Japanese woodblock printing techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Artist

Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kuniyoshi grew up in old Tokyo when the city was still called Edo. His dad ran a silk shop, but Kuniyoshi loved anything with pictures—scrolls, screens, comic books. He talked his way into the Utagawa school, a kind of…