Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Yuko. It dates from 1718 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1718 by the Japanese printmaker Yuko, this woodblock work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the piece presents a quiet domestic scene rendered in a restrained palette of soft pinks, blues, and warm background tones.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts two women in traditional kimono standing on a wooden balcony. One figure holds a scroll, suggesting a literary or ceremonial activity, while the other leans forward, perhaps listening. A small lantern hangs nearby, and scattered objects—a basket and a fan—populate the floor, emphasizing an intimate, everyday moment.
Technique & Style
Yuko employs crisp, linear carving and simple geometric forms to suggest spatial depth without elaborate perspective. The composition relies on muted coloration, with warm hues dominating the background, while cross‑hatching and fine line work add texture to clothing and accessories. The overall effect is one of understated elegance rather than dramatic narrative.
History & Provenance
The print was produced during the early eighteenth century, a period when woodblock printing flourished in Japan for both commercial and artistic purposes. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it remains catalogued under the title Untitled.
Artist & collection











