Untitled
1840
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1840
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
This print shows two men in traditional Japanese clothing. The man on the left holds a fan and wears a tall, decorated hat. The man on the right stands with one hand on his hip, gripping a scroll or letter, and his robe flows loosely. Both have bold black outlines and simple colors—mostly browns, grays, and white. Notice how the artist uses sharp lines and flat colors to create drama. The fan and scroll suggest they might be characters from a story or play. Next, look up Utagawa Kunisada to see more of his bold, expressive prints.
