Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Mori Sosen. It dates from 1749 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 52.177.22
- Credit line
- Bequest of Katherine S. Dreier, 1952
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The hanging scroll by Mori Sosen, dated 1749, portrays a single monkey rendered in ink and color on silk.
The hanging scroll by Mori Sosen, dated 1749, portrays a single monkey rendered in ink and color on silk. Classified as animal art, the composition focuses on the primate as its subject, presenting the creature in a naturalistic yet stylized manner typical of Edo-period painting. The work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and was created in Japan.
Measured at 102.9 cm in height and 34.9 cm in width, the piece exemplifies the material and scale typical of hanging scrolls from the period.
Technique & Style
Created in 1749, this hanging scroll is executed in ink and color on silk. The work depicts a monkey, aligning with the artist Mori Sosen's specialization in animal art. The support consists of silk, a traditional material for Japanese scroll paintings of this period.
The physical dimensions measure 102.9 cm in height and 34.9 cm in width. The handling of ink and color on the silk support defines the formal qualities of the piece, which is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
The painting was created by Mori Sosen in 1749, executed in ink and color on silk as a hanging scroll depicting a monkey. It was produced in Japan and is classified as animal art.
The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 52.177.22. No further details regarding commission, prior ownership, or chain of custody before its acquisition by the museum are documented in the available sources, and no exhibition history is recorded.
Overview
This hanging scroll by Mori Sosen features a solitary monkey perched on a gnarled tree branch. Executed with ink and color on silk, the artwork exemplifies Sosen's characteristic focus on animal subjects. His detailed yet dynamic approach captures the creature's presence, reflecting a deep engagement with the natural world. The piece is representative of his broader body of work, which frequently explored the lives of animals.
Artist & collection
