Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink painting by the Nihonga artist Yamamoto Baiitsu. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1995.247
- Credit line
- Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 1995
About this work
Subject & Meaning
In Edo‑period aesthetics, such depictions often allude to transience and the fleeting beauty of nature, using the dragonfly as a symbolic motif.
The handscroll Untitled by Yamamoto Baiitsu, completed in 1847, presents a solitary Anisoptera (dragonfly) rendered in ink and color on silk. As a still‑life work, the painting isolates the insect against a muted background, emphasizing its delicate wing structure and elongated form. In Edo‑period aesthetics, such depictions often allude to transience and the fleeting beauty of nature, using the dragonfly as a symbolic motif.
The piece belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, where it is catalogued with its dimensions and provenance, confirming its Japanese origin and 19th‑century date.
Technique & Style
The work Untitled by Yamamoto Baiitsu (1847) is a handscroll executed in ink and color on silk. Measuring approximately 21 cm in height and 241.3 cm in width, it was produced in Japan and entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection. The piece belongs to the still‑life genre and depicts an Anisoptera insect, rendered with fine brushwork and subtle washes of pigment that emphasize the insect’s delicate anatomy.
Baiitsu’s technique combines precise line work with restrained coloration, creating a naturalistic yet decorative composition typical of Edo‑period Japanese painting. The scroll’s elongated format and horizontal layout guide the viewer’s eye along the insect’s form, while the use of silk as support contributes to a luminous surface sheen.
History & Provenance
Created in 1847, the handscroll titled Untitled is the work of Japanese artist Yamamoto Baiitsu. Executed in ink and color on silk, the piece originated in Japan and measures 21 by 241.3 centimeters. The artwork depicts insects, specifically Anisoptera, within a still-life composition.
While the specific commission details and the immediate chain of private ownership prior to its current location are not detailed in the available records, the work is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The creation date is firmly established as 1847, situating the piece within the mid-19th-century artistic output of Baiitsu.
Overview
Untitled is a handscroll painting by Yamamoto Baiitsu, created in 1847. Executed with ink and color on silk, this work presents a detailed study of various insects. The composition features delicate renderings of dragonflies, crickets, and beetles, each meticulously depicted to highlight their individual characteristics within a minimalist setting. This piece exemplifies Baiitsu's focus on natural observation.
Context
Created during a period when Japan maintained a policy of national isolation, this handscroll was likely intended for a discerning private collector rather than public display. The intimate format and detailed subject matter align with works appreciated within private scholarly or artistic circles. Such quiet studies offered a personal engagement with nature, reflecting the refined tastes of their intended audience.
Artist & collection


















