Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Ogata Kōrin in 17th–18th 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 Ogata Kōrin (17th–18th century)

Accession no.: 29.100.526
Credit line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The inclusion of gold leaf suggests a celebration of natural beauty, aligning with the aesthetic values of the Edo period in Japan.

The work presents a still-life composition centered on a plant, rendered with ink, color, and gold on paper. As a folding fan mounting repurposed as a hanging scroll, the piece isolates the botanical subject against a decorative background, emphasizing form and texture through the artist's brushwork. The inclusion of gold leaf suggests a celebration of natural beauty, aligning with the aesthetic values of the Edo period in Japan. The subject matter is strictly limited to the plant itself, avoiding narrative elements or human figures.

Technique & Style

Created in 1687, this work by Ogata Kōrin utilizes ink, mineral colors, and gold applied to paper. Although originally designed as a folding fan, the piece has been mounted as a hanging scroll. The composition features a botanical subject rendered in a style characteristic of Japanese still life. The physical object measures 17.2 cm in height and 52.7 cm in width.

History & Provenance

The work, titled Untitled by Ogata Kōrin, was created in Japan in 1687. It originated as a folding fan mounting that was later repurposed as a hanging scroll. The piece is executed in ink, color, and gold on paper, depicting plant motifs in a still-life genre.

Currently, the artwork is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its physical dimensions are recorded as 17.2 cm in height and 52.7 cm in width.

The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. According to Wikidata records, its location and collection are both identified as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

No accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented.

Overview

Created in 1687, this work by Ogata Kōrin belongs to the Rinpa school and is executed in ink, color and gold on paper. Originally painted on a folding fan, the image was later remounted as a hanging scroll. The composition features a single iris plant rendered against a luminous gold field, exemplifying Kōrin’s synthesis of decorative design and natural observation.

Context

Kōrin’s career spanned painting, lacquerware and textile design, and he often collaborated with his brother, the potter Ogata Kenzan. The iris fan reflects the broader Rinpa interest in integrating fine art with everyday objects, blurring the line between utilitarian craft and high art. This approach helped define the school’s lasting influence on Japanese visual culture.