Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Yanagawa Shigenobu in 1828.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Yanagawa Shigenobu , 1828

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yanagawa Shigenobu. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1828 by the Edo‑period printmaker Yanagawa Shigenobu, this surimono woodblock print measures a modest size and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the work exemplifies the refined private commissions typical of the genre, intended for poetry gatherings and special occasions.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a woman in a patterned kimono standing before a large white shoji screen. She holds a folding fan in her right hand, while a small box topped with a mouse rests at her left side. The composition suggests a moment of domestic elegance, possibly alluding to seasonal motifs or poetic themes common in ukiyo‑e imagery.

Technique & Style

The careful registration of blocks and use of hand‑applied pigments reflect the high level of craftsmanship associated with these limited‑edition prints.

Printed as a surimono, the piece employs multiple woodblocks to achieve its vivid palette of gray, orange, green, and other hues. Fine line work renders the kimono’s stripes and floral motifs, while the background screen bears delicate calligraphic characters. The careful registration of blocks and use of hand‑applied pigments reflect the high level of craftsmanship associated with these limited‑edition prints.

History & Provenance

After its production in the late Edo period, the print entered private collections before being acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Its documented provenance traces a typical path for surimono, moving from literary societies to collectors of Japanese art in the early twentieth century.

Context

Surimono were often created for poetry contests, New Year celebrations, or other cultural events, allowing artists like Shigenobu to experiment with elaborate designs beyond commercial publishing constraints. The inclusion of a written inscription on the screen aligns with this tradition, linking visual art to contemporary literary practice in early nineteenth‑century Japan.