Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Yashima Gakutei's *Untitled* (1838) is a woodblock print on paper, combining ink and color to depict a serene landscape. Created during the late Edo period, this work exemplifies the artist's skill in the genre.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a peaceful natural scene: a body of water with boats, set against a vibrant blue sky with sun rays peeking through clouds. The composition conveys tranquility, with elements like gentle waves, soft foam, and gliding boats enhancing the calm atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Gakutei, influenced by his mentors Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai, demonstrates mastery of woodblock printing. The piece showcases meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the textured rendering of water movement and the interplay of light and shadow.
History & Provenance
*Untitled* is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. As a pupil of notable artists and a contributor to kyōka poetry and surimono prints, Gakutei's work reflects his multifaceted artistic engagement during the late Edo period.
Context
Within the late Edo period's artistic landscape, Gakutei's print represents the continued evolution of Japanese woodblock printing, blending traditional techniques with nuanced observations of natural beauty.
Legacy
While *Untitled* showcases Gakutei's individual talent, its broader impact lies in its representation of the era's artistic values and the enduring appeal of serene, meticulously crafted landscapes in Japanese printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.
Untitled
「一陽連文房四友 硯 伯英」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the “Sage of Cursive Script”); “Inkstone” (Suzuri), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
Osaka Tenmangu sairei no zu|The Tenmangu Festival at Osaka
「一陽連文房四友 筆 道風」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Heian Court Calligrapher Ono no Tōfū (894–966); “Calligraphy Brush” (Fude), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
Untitled
『和歌三神』 柿本人麻呂|Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (ca. 662–710), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
Untitled
「一陽連文房四友 紙 女凢」『春雨集』 摺物帖 |Nuji (Japanese: Joki; female attendant who compiled writings by Daoist sages); “Paper” (Kami), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
本朝名所 相州七里ヶ浜|Soshu, Shichi-ri ga Hama
近江八景之内 堅田落雁|Geese Flying Down to Katada
京都名所之内 あらし山満花|Cherry Blossoms at Arashiyama, from the series Famous Places of Kyōto
Shibaura, shiohi-gari no zu|東都名所 芝浦汐干之図|Shell Gathering at Shibaura
歌川広重画 「近江八景 矢橋帰帆」|Returning Fishing Boats at Yabase, from the series Eight Views of Ōmi (Ōmi hakkei)
冨嶽三十六景 東海道江尻田子の浦略図|Tago Bay near Ejiri on the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō Ejiri Tago no ura ryaku zu), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
Futami-ga-ura akebono-no kuni|Futami-ga-ura Rocks at Ise, Land of Dawn
東都名所 御殿山之夕桜|Evening Cherries on Gotem Yama
江戸近郊八景之内 羽根田落雁|Haneda Rakugan
冨嶽三十六景 武州玉川|Tama River in Musashi Province (Bushū Tamagawa), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
近江八景之内 堅田落雁|Geese Alighting at Katada, Lake Biwa
東海道五十三次 戸塚|Totsuka