Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Okumura Masanobu in 1739.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Untitled

Okumura Masanobu , 1739

Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Okumura Masanobu. It dates from 1739 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1739, this hand‑colored woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.

Created around 1739, this hand‑colored woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed in ink and pigments on paper, the work presents a tranquil landscape dominated by a long‑tailed bird perched on a branch, set against a muted mountain and river backdrop. A black banner bearing white Japanese characters runs along the right margin, adding a textual element to the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a crane, a bird traditionally associated with longevity and good fortune in Japanese visual culture. Its poised stance on the branch, coupled with the subdued natural setting, conveys a sense of calm and balance. The inclusion of the banner suggests a possible poetic or commemorative inscription, a common practice in Edo‑period prints to link image and text.

Technique & Style

Masanobu employed the ukiyo‑e woodblock method, carving separate blocks for line work and each color before printing. The hand‑coloring adds subtle tonal variations, especially in the distant mountain and river, which appear in softened, faded hues. The composition’s simplicity, with limited detail and a restrained palette, reflects an early Edo aesthetic that favored elegance through understatement.

History & Provenance

The print originates from the early eighteenth‑century Edo period, a time when Masanobu was pioneering new approaches to commercial printmaking. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it remains an example of the artist’s contribution to the development of Japanese woodblock printing.