Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Kano Motonobu in probably 17th century.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Untitled by Kano Motonobu (probably 17th century)

About this work

Subject & Meaning

9 cm and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, having entered the museum from Japan.

The work Untitled (1607) by Kano Motonobu portrays a solitary boat set within a traditional Japanese landscape, situating the piece within the landscape painting genre of the early Edo period. Executed in color on paper, the composition emphasizes the boat as the central motif, reflecting contemporary interests in natural scenery and the fleeting nature of travel. The painting measures 20.3 × 48.9 cm and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, having entered the museum from Japan.

Technique & Style

Created in 1607, this landscape painting by Kanō Motonobu is executed using color on a paper support. The work measures 20.3 cm in height and 48.9 cm in width, reflecting a format typical for handheld or album leaves within the Japanese tradition. Stylistically, the piece depicts a boat, aligning with its classification as a landscape genre.

The application of color on paper suggests a technique focused on ink and pigment layering characteristic of the Kano school, though specific brushwork details are not elaborated in the available records. The artwork remains in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is preserved as a significant example of early 17th-century Japanese painting.

History & Provenance

The painting, dated 1607, was created by Kano Motonobu using color on paper and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Both the institutional metadata and the Wikidata record confirm its Japanese origin and current location at the Met. No further details regarding commissioning circumstances, intermediate ownership, or earlier provenance are documented in the available sources.

Overview

This untitled work, executed in color on paper, presents a serene landscape. Although traditionally attributed to Kano Motonobu and dated 1607, scholarly assessment suggests it was likely produced after the artist's lifetime. The painting, presented as a long, narrow scroll, exemplifies the aesthetic principles of the Kano school, particularly its approach to spatial composition and the depiction of natural elements.