Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Shibata Zeshin. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890 by the Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin, this untitled work consists of a two‑panel folding screen painted with color on silk. The piece is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its composition features two open panels set against an unadorned background, each displaying a stylized umbrella and modest botanical elements.
Subject & Meaning
The screen presents a pair of umbrellas—one rendered in blue, the other in red—each with black handles and decorative frills. Near the blue umbrella, a small cluster of foliage and a solitary purple flower are placed, suggesting a quiet, domestic interior. The arrangement emphasizes balance and contrast through the juxtaposition of vivid hues and simple natural forms.
Technique & Style
Zeshin employed bold, saturated pigments applied to silk, allowing the colors to retain a luminous quality. A thin golden border outlines each panel, framing the scene with a subtle decorative touch. The artist’s use of clean lines and uncomplicated shapes creates a clear visual hierarchy, while the silk substrate contributes a smooth, refined surface.
History & Provenance
The work was produced toward the end of the Meiji period, a time when Japanese artists were increasingly engaging with both traditional techniques and emerging aesthetic trends. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on display as an example of Zeshin’s late career output.
Artist & collection
