Untitled
1772
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1772
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
Untitled is a 1772 ink by Ippitsusai Bunchō, a Romanticism work, depicting actor, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This print shows a person dressed in a red robe with bold white patterns on the sleeves and back. Their hair is styled high, and they hold a long fan or weapon in one hand. The floor has a simple wood pattern, and there’s a partial view of a building’s wall in the background. White flowers are scattered along the hem of the robe. The person’s pose and outfit suggest they might be an actor in a traditional Japanese play. The print uses flat colors and clear outlines, typical of its time. Look up actor next to see how performers like this were portrayed in Japanese art.
