Untitled
1755
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1755
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
Untitled is a 1755 ink by Torii Kiyohiro, a Baroque work, depicting actor, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This print shows five men in bright, patterned robes. They’re standing close together, holding fans and swords. Their faces are bold and simple, with strong black outlines and flat colors. The background is busy with swirling lines and Japanese writing. Notice how the robes have different shapes and symbols—some look like flowers, others like waves. The artist used sharp contrasts between dark and light to make everything pop. Look up cross-hatching next to see how artists build shadows with lines.
