Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- JP119
- Credit line
- Rogers Fund, 1914
About this work
Overview
This untitled woodblock print, created by Katsukawa Shunshō around 1782, is a representative example of nishiki-e, a style of Japanese printmaking characterized by multiple colors. It is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling man holding a sword and a fan, wearing a robe with geometric patterns and a family crest. The plain background emphasizes the figure, suggesting a focus on the individual rather than the surroundings.
Technique & Style
The artist employed flat colors and sharp lines, prioritizing bold shapes over realistic details. This stylistic choice creates a striking visual effect, characteristic of Shunshō's work in the nishiki-e tradition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.


















