Sudden Rain, Shono (Shono haku-u), from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no uchi)
ca. 1832-34
Hiroshige is often called a master of atmospheric effects such as rain, snow, fog, and mist. If this is the case, then Sudden Rain, Shono must be considered his crowning glory. A driving rainstorm slashes diagonally across the picture plane, creating a veil of water that turns the green foliage a shadowy gray. Travelers rush to escape the summer squall, as two palanquin bearers, with only their hats for protection, doggedly carry their passenger up the incline. The lyricism of the landscape, the color and line of the composition, and the artist's compassionate view of his fellow man inspire delight.
--Catherine Roche, Curatorial Associate, 2010
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Sheet: 14 3/4 x 9 5/8 in. (37.5 x 24.4 cm)
Gift of Mary and Allan Kollar, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2017.23.18
Provenance: [Egenolf Gallery, Burbank, California]; purchased from gallery by Allan Kollar, Seattle, Washington, 2006; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2017
Photo: Susan Cole
