Rain of the Fifth Month (Samidare) 19th century

“Rain of the Fifth Month (Samidare)” is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni II. This 19th-century ukiyo-e print depicts a scene of a rainstorm, with a horse being led through a stream by a man, while figures with umbrellas shelter in the rain. The print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a vivid example of Kunisada’s mastery of depicting the beauty of nature and the everyday life of Edo-era Japan. This particular print demonstrates his skill in illustrating the rainy season, capturing the delicate balance of serenity and energy in the natural environment.