Untitled
1850
ink
paper
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
About the artist
Artist
Utagawa Toyokuni I
Toyokuni was a born showman who made sure the energy of Edo’s kabuki stage never faded on paper.
See the richer artist page1850
ink
paper
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Untitled is a 1850 ink by Utagawa Toyokuni I, a Romanticism work, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This print shows a warrior in bright, patterned armor. His helmet has red and gold designs, and he holds a sword in one hand while gripping a fan in the other. The background is mostly plain, letting the colors pop—greens, reds, and golds stand out against the light paper. The Japanese writing on the paper suggests this was made for a special occasion, possibly a gift or a limited-edition print. The bold lines and flat colors are typical of woodblock prints from this time. Check out Utagawa Toyokuni I to see more of his dramatic, colorful work.
Toyokuni was a born showman who made sure the energy of Edo’s kabuki stage never faded on paper.
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