Untitled

Torii Kiyohiro

ca. 1756 · Woodblock print (beni-e); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Two Kabuki actors are identified by the crests on the umbrella. The play Komachi Praying for Rain is based on the legend of Ono no Kamachi, the beautiful poetess of the ninth century. The haiku inscribed around the figures addresses the theme of a sudden shower, comparing it to the power of poetry.

Artist

Torii Kiyohiro

Date

ca. 1756

Medium

Woodblock print (beni-e); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914