noun
early work; youthful work
Refers to a work created when the artist or writer was young, often implying immaturity or a style not yet fully developed.
この小説は彼の若書きで、後の作品ほど洗練されていない。
This novel is an early work of his, and it's not as polished as his later works.
展覧会では、画家の若書きの作品も展示されている。
The painter's youthful works are also on display at the exhibition.
初期作品 is a more neutral term for 'early work', while 若書き specifically emphasizes the creator's youth and often carries a nuance of immaturity.
Compound of 若 (young) and 書き (writing/drawing), referring to a work produced in one's youth.