Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai, ink, 1807
Untitled, by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai, ink, 1807

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Ryūryūkyo Shinsai. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print created by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai in 1807. It is a surimono, a type of print typically made for special occasions.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts four birds, a rooster and three chickens, set against a plain background, surrounded by small pink flowers and branches. The birds are rendered in bold colors, with the rooster's bright red combs and wattles and blue-green tail feathers standing out.

Technique & Style

Shinsai employed simple shapes and bold colors to convey a sense of liveliness. The rooster's tail feathers are depicted fanning out dramatically, while the chickens are shown standing close together. The use of ink and color on paper allows for detailed textures and shading.

History & Provenance

The print is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The edges of the paper feature Japanese writing in black ink, suggesting it may have included a poem or other text relevant to the surimono's original purpose.

古今書画鑑 熊谷蓮生坊真跡|Bird-and-Flower Paintings
古今書画鑑 熊谷蓮生坊真跡|Bird-and-Flower Paintings, Katsushika Hokusai

Artist & collection

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai in 1807.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.