Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Utagawa Toyokuni I, ink, 1799
Untitled, by Utagawa Toyokuni I, ink, 1799

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a triptych of woodblock prints by Utagawa Toyokuni I, dates to circa 1799. Composed of ink and color on paper, the work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene domestic scene with three women engaged in everyday activities within a simple room. One tends to a bucket, another cares for a child on the floor, and the third stands by a window, all adorned in dark attire accented with vibrant red sashes. Their calm expressions convey a sense of tranquility amidst daily tasks.

Technique & Style

The artist employed sharp, defined lines to delineate the folds of the women's robes and the texture of the child's skin. The use of line work, potentially incorporating cross-hatching techniques, achieves shading and depth in the composition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1799 by Utagawa Toyokuni I, the triptych is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though specific details of its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided here.

Context

As a genre scene, Untitled reflects the ukiyo-e tradition of depicting everyday life in 18th-century Japan, offering a glimpse into the mundane yet peaceful aspects of women's lives during this period.

Legacy

While specific influences or impacts of Untitled on subsequent art are not detailed, as a work by Utagawa Toyokuni I, it contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Japanese art history.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Toyokuni I

Artist

Utagawa Toyokuni I

Toyokuni was a born showman who made sure the energy of Edo’s kabuki stage never faded on paper.