Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled surimono woodblock print, created in 1835 by Japanese artist Yashima Gakutei, combines ink and color on paper to depict a serene, intimate scene of a woman engaged in creative pursuits.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays a woman seated cross-legged on a tatami mat, simultaneously holding a bird and a brush while writing on a scroll. Surroundings include a low table with scrolls, a fan, and papers, suggesting a quiet, focused moment of artistic expression.
Technique & Style
Gakutei employed bold colors and clear lines to convey the woman's concentration. The handcrafted nature of the print is evident in the meticulous details of the fabric patterns and the bird's feathers.
History & Provenance
Yashima Gakutei, a pupil of Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai, was known for his kyōka poetry and surimono prints. This work is currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
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
Untitled
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
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『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
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見立多以尽 - 洋行がしたい|Collection of Desires, Wish for Foreign Travel (Mitate Tai zukushi-yōkō ga shitai)
「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
「青楼美人六花仙 扇屋花扇」|The Courtesan Hanaōgi of the Ōgiya Brothel (Ōgiya Hanaōgi), from the series Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters as Six Floral Immortals (Seirō bijin rokkasen)
Courtesan Seated at a Writing Table
A Picture by Hishikawa Moronobu: Woman with a Set of Poem Cards
喜多川歌麿画 『美人花合』 「兵庫屋内 花妻図」|“The Courtesan Hanazuma Reading a Letter,” from the series Beauties Compared to Flowers (Bijin hana awase)
Untitled
Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)
書初め図|Young Woman Writing Calligraphy
Untitled
鳥文斎栄之画 「青楼美人六花仙 丁子屋雛鶴鸖」|The Courtesan Hinazuru of the Chōjiya Brothel (Chōjiya Hinazuru), from the series Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters as Six Floral Immortals (Seirō bijin rokkasen)