Amagoi|Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain

Chōbunsai Eishi

ca. 1791 · Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper · Asian Art

In this sophisticated image of beauties enjoying an outing, the original content of the theme is intentionally obscured. Only the rain and the small boat in the distance refer to the Kabuki play Komachi Praying for Rain. The lushness of the summer scene and the fresh beauty of the women are subtly enhanced by the avoidance of color in the monochrome print. Throughout his career, Chōbunsai Eishi, son of a samurai family, focused exclusively on the subject of elegant women.

Artist

Chōbunsai Eishi

Date

ca. 1791

Medium

Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936