Night Rain at Karasaki Possibly 1857

"Night Rain at Karasaki" was made by Utagawa Hiroshige using woodblock print. Hiroshige emerged during the Edo period, a time defined by strict social hierarchies and relative isolation from the outside world. In this print, the emphasis on landscape departs from traditional Ukiyo-e which typically focused on portraits of courtesans and actors. Hiroshige uses the natural world to explore themes of impermanence and beauty, in line with the era’s aesthetic principles. The rain blurs the landscape, creating a sense of depth and quiet melancholy. This print invites us to reflect on our place within the larger world, encouraging a sense of empathy with the world and all its inhabitants, and prompting contemplation on the transient nature of beauty and life.