Miscellaneous Paintings and Calligraphy 1791 - 1806

This hanging scroll, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was painted by Utamaro II around the late 18th to early 19th century. At first glance, the work may appear to be dominated by calligraphy, however, closer inspection reveals the importance of the placement of images such as the flower and maple leaves. These are strategically positioned to guide the eye through the composition. The artist's brushstrokes vary in thickness and intensity, creating a dynamic interplay of form and space. The arrangement of text and image is not merely decorative; it is a deliberate attempt to establish a relationship between the visual and the textual. Utamaro II skillfully challenges traditional modes of representation, destabilizing established meanings. The scroll invites us to explore the intersection of text and image, form and content, thereby complicating any singular interpretation. Rather, we are invited to find our own meaning within the scroll.