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Rain at Maekawa in Sagami Province

Art Appreciation

This evocative scene captures a rainy evening along a quiet street lined with traditional thatched houses. Dominated by deep, muted blues and greens, the artwork employs a subtle gradation of shadow and light that beautifully conveys the steady downpour. The thin vertical strokes of falling rain create a palpable sense of movement, while the reflections of warm lantern lights cast a gentle glow on the wet pavement, inviting a feeling of calm introspection. A lone figure under an umbrella walks contemplatively, adding a human touch that emphasizes solitude amid nature’s rhythm.

The artist’s mastery of composition shines in the contrast between the dense, dark silhouette of an enormous tree on the left and the soft, warm lights filtering from the houses on the right. This balance between natural and architectural elements draws the eye through the scene, evoking a serene yet poignant mood. Created in 1932, this woodblock print reflects the continuing legacy of the ukiyo-e tradition, revitalizing it with a modern sensibility that romanticizes everyday scenes and transports the viewer into a quiet world of poetic beauty.

Rain at Maekawa in Sagami Province

Hasui Kawase

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Created:

1932

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0

Dimensions:

4348 × 6272 px

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