Woman Opening Umbrella as Thunder Approaches c. 1769

"Woman Opening Umbrella as Thunder Approaches" is a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, a prominent artist of the mid-18th century Edo period in Japan. Created around 1769, the work showcases Harunobu's signature style, which combined elegant lines with delicate colors and an emphasis on capturing everyday scenes. The print depicts a woman, seemingly a courtesan, shielding herself from a sudden downpour, her elegant figure contrasted against the dynamic strokes depicting the approaching storm. This work is an excellent example of the "ukiyo-e" (pictures of the floating world) genre, which explored the fleeting beauty of everyday life, particularly in urban centers like Edo (modern-day Tokyo).