Artwork Page for Prayers for Rain, from the series Seven Elegant Komachi

Details / Information for Prayers for Rain, from the series Seven Elegant Komachi

Prayers for Rain, from the series Seven Elegant Komachi

late 1790s

Kitagawa Utamaro 喜多川 歌麿

(Japanese, c. 1754–1806)
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Measurements
Sheet: 38.2 x 25.2 cm (15 1/16 x 9 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of James Parmelee 1940.1030
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Seven plays based on legends from the life of 9th-century poet Ono no Komachi served as the source for this print series. In the play, Komachi shelters from the rain under an umbrella held by her servant. In this print, an elegantly coiffed mother and child replace the poet and her servant.
A vertically oriented woodblock print depicts a woman and child beneath a massive parasol. Dominated by neutral tones, the scene features defined geometric patterns on the child's vibrant orange garment. The woman faces left with elaborate black hair and gold pins. Numerous thin umbrella spokes radiate across the top frame. On our right, vertical Japanese calligraphy and a small red seal appear against the pale background, finishing this tranquil domestic composition.

Prayers for Rain, from the series Seven Elegant Komachi

late 1790s

Kitagawa Utamaro

(Japanese, c. 1754–1806)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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