Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled surimono woodblock print, created by Yashima Gakutei in 1827, combines ink and color on paper. Characteristic of the surimono genre, it integrates visual elements with poetic text, reflecting the collaborative and decorative nature of this art form.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two kabuki actors in elaborate, boldly patterned costumes and dramatic, exaggerated poses, their faces obscured. They hold large fans featuring distinctive designs—a swirling spiral and a star shape—amidst a backdrop of vertical lines, dark panels, and unretranslated Japanese text that likely contextualizes the scene or roles.
Technique & Style
Gakutei's surimono showcases his training under Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai, evident in the refined execution and expressive use of color. The bold, clashing hues (blues, reds, whites against dark backgrounds) and sharp angularity of the costumes typify his bold and expressive style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1827 by Yashima Gakutei, a notable artist and poet of the late Edo period, this work reflects his dual talents in kyōka poetry and surimono printmaking. Direct provenance details are not provided.
Context
As a surimono, this print was part of a tradition that often combined imagery with poetry for a literate audience, likely circulated among connoisseurs or used in theatrical contexts to highlight performances or roles.
Legacy
This print exemplifies Gakutei's contribution to the surimono genre, characterized by its decorative and collaborative elements. His work, including this piece, showcases the blend of poetic and visual arts in late Edo period Japan.
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.
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「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
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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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Asao Gakujurō as the Ferryman Sanjūrō from the Kabuki Play "Eight Views of the Kizu River by Boating Song"
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Ichikawa Ebijūrō II as Horiguchi Manzaemon (right), Arashi Rikan II as Kizu Kansuke, Nakayama Bunshichi III as Hayashi Sanzemon (center), and Asao Gakujurō as the Ferryman Sanjūrō (left) from the Kabuki Play "Eight Views of the Kizu River by Boating Song"
Kataoka Nizaemon VII and Ichikawa Yaozo III in a Confrontation Beside a Waterfall
大坂下り早竹虎吉|Hayatake Torakichi from Osaka
Ichikawa Norinosuke and Ichikawa Yonejuro as Morihachi and Yonehachi, Two Comedians
元日仕度|Preparations for the New Year, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 1)
Arashi Rikan II as Inuzuka Shino Moritaka and Nakamura Utaemon III as Inukai Kenpachi Michinobu Battling (from the series The Eight Heroes of the Satomi Clan)
文具一式|Writing Set and Poem Card Box (Shikishi-bako), from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō), vol. 1