Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Utagawa Toyokuni II, ink, 1834
Untitled, by Utagawa Toyokuni II, ink, 1834

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni II. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created around 1834 by Utagawa Toyokuni II, is a surimono, a type of print typically produced for special occasions. It is held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic actor in a dynamic pose, likely mid-performance in a play. The actor's face is rendered in bold colors and exaggerated features, suggesting a heightened emotional state.

Technique & Style

The print showcases intricate detail and bold design, with sharp lines used to convey texture and emotion. The composition combines geometric shapes and organic motifs, such as a leafy scroll, to create a sense of movement.

Context

This work relates to Japanese theatre traditions, particularly the representation of actors on stage. The style and subject matter reflect the conventions of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art focused on capturing moments from everyday life and popular culture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Toyokuni II

Artist

Utagawa Toyokuni II

Utagawa Toyokuni II spent his life in Edo, where the buzz of theater and teahouses fed his art.