Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink painting by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Katsushika Hokusai’s Untitled (1824) is executed as a hanging scroll, employing ink and color on silk as its primary medium and support (1).
Katsushika Hokusai’s Untitled (1824) is executed as a hanging scroll, employing ink and color on silk as its primary medium and support (1). The silk substrate, a traditional East Asian material, provides a smooth yet slightly textured surface that accommodates both delicate linework and broad washes of pigment (1). Stylistically, the work reflects Hokusai’s mastery of ukiyo-e painting conventions, characterized by dynamic composition, fluid brushwork, and a focus on figural movement, here, a dancer wielding a sword (1, 2).
The handling of ink ranges from precise, controlled outlines to expressive, modulated shading, while mineral-based color pigments are applied in layered, translucent glazes to achieve tonal depth (1). Though specific condition details are unrecorded, silk supports of this period are typically prone to age-related vulnerabilities, including surface wear, pigment fading, or staining, though the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s preservation efforts likely mitigate such degradation (1).
History & Provenance
The work Untitled was produced in 1824 in Japan by Katsushika Hokusai as a hanging scroll executed in ink and color on silk; it depicts a dancer with a sword. According to the same source, the piece is classified as a painting and was later accessioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains in the museum’s collection. The work’s creation date is recorded as 1824‑01‑01, and its provenance traces from its origin in Japan to its current ownership by the Met, with no earlier owners documented in the provided references.
The 1824 hanging scroll titled Untitled by Katsushika Hokusai is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work, executed in ink and color on silk, depicts a dancer with a sword. While the piece is confirmed to be part of the museum's holdings, the provided records do not specify a particular accession or inventory number.
Furthermore, no details regarding specific past exhibitions or loan history for this artwork are included in the available documentation.
Overview
Katsushika Hokusai created this untitled hanging scroll in 1824, utilizing ink and color on silk. The artwork captures a dynamic moment, presenting a dancer mid-performance, holding a prominent sword. This piece exemplifies Hokusai's continued exploration of movement and form even in his later years, showcasing a refined approach to depicting human dynamism and grace through precise draftsmanship.
Subject & Meaning
The scroll features a dancer clad in a vibrant red robe, depicted in a weightless, twirling pose. With one hand, she grasps a long sword, its crescent-shaped blade appearing as an extension of her movement rather than a mere prop. The composition emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the performer and her instrument, suggesting a unified expression of skill and artistry.
Context
Created when Hokusai was in his eighties, this scroll reflects his enduring commitment to artistic innovation. Despite his advanced age, he continued to refine his techniques, particularly in capturing dynamic poses and expressive lines. This period of his career was marked by a persistent drive to explore new visual possibilities, making works like this a testament to his lifelong dedication to art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he drew and carved prints for a living.
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