Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Torii Kiyonaga. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled woodblock print, dated circa 1770, is the work of Japanese artist Torii Kiyonaga and is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene domestic scene: a woman in a light robe stands by a window with bamboo outside, hiding behind a fan, while another woman kneels nearby with a food tray and a resting cat. The focus is on everyday, intimate moments.
Technique & Style
Characterized by flat colors and clean lines, typical of Japanese woodblock prints of the era, the work achieves shading through techniques like cross-hatching, though the overall aesthetic remains calm and uncluttered.
History & Provenance
Created around 1770 by Torii Kiyonaga, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with its provenance highlighting its preservation and exhibition in a major Western museum.
Context
Reflecting 18th-century Japanese daily life, the print's simplicity and attention to mundane details (the cat, the food tray) offer a glimpse into the quiet, private lives of women during this period.
Legacy
While specific impact details are not provided, the print contributes to the broader legacy of Torii Kiyonaga and the evolution of Japanese woodblock printing, influencing perceptions of Japanese life abroad.
Artist & collection
