Rain at Maekawa
前川の雨
- Date:
- c. 1920
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Typical Price
Rain at Maekawa exemplifies Shotei's remarkable skill at depicting falling rain through delicate diagonal lines carved into the woodblock. Post-earthquake editions bring $600-$2,000, while pre-1923 originals can reach $2,500-$5,000. Rain subjects are among the most technically demanding to print well, and fine early impressions show the sharpest rain lines.
Description
Rain falls on the village of Maekawa, creating a gray, misty atmosphere that softens the forms of houses and trees. A figure hurries along a wet road, umbrella tilted against the driving rain. The diagonal lines of rain are printed with extraordinary delicacy, creating a veil of moisture that pervades the entire composition.
