Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Jakusai 寂済 in late 14th–15th century.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Joseon dynasty painting.

Untitled by Jakusai 寂済 (late 14th–15th century)

Accession no.: 29.100.442
Credit line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting Untitled, executed by Jakusai in 1435, is a hanging scroll in ink and color on silk and is categorized as a portrait.

The painting Untitled, executed by Jakusai in 1435, is a hanging scroll in ink and color on silk and is categorized as a portrait. Its subject depicts a demon and a man, which constitute the central iconographic elements of the work. As a portrait, the composition’s meaning derives from these figures, presenting a narrative defined by their juxtaposition. The piece was created in Japan and is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Technique & Style

Created in 1435 by the artist Jakusai, this work is executed as a hanging scroll utilizing ink and color applied directly onto silk. As a portrait genre piece originating from Japan, the composition formally depicts a man alongside a demon. The medium of ink and color on silk is characteristic of the painting's classification, presenting the subjects through traditional East Asian scroll techniques.

The physical support of silk allows for the application of both monochromatic ink and polychrome pigments to define the figures. This specific combination of materials and the hanging scroll format situates the artwork within the established conventions of Japanese portrait painting from the mid-fifteenth century.

History & Provenance

Created in 1435 in Japan, this hanging scroll titled Untitled was executed by the artist Jakusai using ink and color on silk. The work, which depicts a man and a demon within the portrait genre, currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While the specific circumstances of its commission and the detailed chain of ownership prior to its museum acquisition are not recorded in the available documentation, the piece is firmly dated to the mid-15th century based on its inception records.

Legacy

Dated to 1435 and recorded as a hanging scroll portrait, the work portrays a demon alongside a man, a motif that has attracted sustained scholarly attention. Its inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection has positioned it as a reference point for studies of early Japanese ink painting and demonological imagery, contributing to the broader recognition of Jakusai’s artistic legacy. The painting’s provenance and thematic content continue to inform exhibitions and academic discourse on trans‑regional spiritual motifs in medieval Asian art.

Overview

This untitled hanging scroll, executed in ink and color on silk around 1435, is attributed to the artist Jakusai. The painting presents a dramatic confrontation between a human figure and a demonic entity. Created during a period of significant Buddhist artistic production, the work served a didactic purpose within Zen monastic communities, illustrating principles of spiritual discipline through its dynamic imagery.

Context

This scroll was created specifically for use in Zen Buddhist monasteries, where it aided monks in their spiritual instruction. Such visual aids were integral to conveying complex philosophical concepts, making abstract ideas tangible. While attributed to Jakusai, the artist did not sign the work, leaving limited historical information about their identity or specific background.