Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu, ink, 1897
Untitled, by Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu, ink, 1897

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a diptych of woodblock prints by Yōshū Chikanobu, dates to 1897. Comprising two side-by-side panels, the work is executed in ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The diptych features white cranes with black feathers and long beaks in dynamic poses against contrasting backgrounds: cream with Japanese text (left) and orange with more text (right). The depiction of cranes, symbols of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture, may convey auspicious themes.

Technique & Style

Chikanobu employs bold lines and vibrant colors to create a sense of movement and energy, with the birds appearing poised for flight. This visual dynamism draws the viewer’s attention to the composition’s center.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897, the work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.

Artist & collection