Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink painting by the Nihonga artist Sesson Shūkei. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition belongs to the still-life genre, yet includes avian subjects that have traditionally carried symbolic weight in Japanese visual culture.
The painting titled Untitled, created in 1834, shows an owl alongside a bird rendered in ink on paper. The composition belongs to the still-life genre, yet includes avian subjects that have traditionally carried symbolic weight in Japanese visual culture. The work measures 41.9 cm in height and 50.8 cm in width, and it was produced in Japan before entering the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Technique & Style
Created in 1834, this work is executed as an ink painting on paper. The piece is presented in a matted format and measures 41.9 cm in height by 50.8 cm in width. Stylistically, it falls within the still-life genre, depicting an owl and other birds. The handling of the ink on the paper support creates a composition focused on these avian subjects.
History & Provenance
Created in 1834, this ink-on-paper work was produced in Japan. The piece depicts birds, including an owl, and is classified as a still life. It currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. No specific accession number or exhibition history is documented in the provided sources.
Overview
Sesson Shūkei's Untitled is an ink on paper painting from 1834. This matted work presents a still life composition, focusing on the depiction of two owls. The artist employs a minimalist approach, using only black ink to render the subjects, allowing their forms and implied expressions to dominate the composition. The piece exemplifies traditional East Asian ink painting techniques, emphasizing line and tone.
Artist & collection
