Art Ukiyo-e: Japanese woodblock prints and paintings

[thomas]

Two woodblock prints depicting Tairo no Masakado:

Taira no Masakado

• JREF
• 25 Jul 2026
• taira no masakado tsukioka yoshitoshi ukiyo-e

Taira no Masakado, detail from Mirror of the Famous Generals of Great Japan (Dai Nippon Meishō...

Taira no Masakado

• JREF
• 25 Jul 2026
• taira no masakado ukiyo-e utagawa kuniyoshi

Taira no Masakado, woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳, 1798–1861), c. 1843–1847. The...

 

[thomas]

Sudden Shower in the Summer Heat (暑中の夕立, Shochū no yūdachi), c. 1849–1851, is a colour woodblock triptych by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳, 1798–1861). It shows three women caught in a sudden summer downpour, or yūdachi (夕立), a familiar feature of Edo summers. Kuniyoshi conveys the force of the storm through dense lines of driving rain, tilted umbrellas and the women's bent postures. The women have removed their sandals and walk barefoot, apparently making their way through the wet streets. The bold textile patterns, particularly the blue-and-white checked kimono in this panel, provide a strong contrast to the curtain of rain. Although Kuniyoshi is best known for his warrior prints, the work shows his skill at capturing an ordinary moment of life in Edo with humour and movement.

 

[Ukigumo]

I've received this print back from the framers and as usual, they've done a brilliant job.

I really like the signs of age that are displayed by the 'floating mounting'; stains and insect damage!