Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain Possibly 1615 - 1868

"Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain" is an ukiyo-e print created by the renowned Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu, circa 1615-1868. The print features two women in traditional Japanese attire, one holding a yellow umbrella while the other kneels by a pond, seemingly praying for rain. The subject of the print, Ono no Komachi, is a legendary poet of the Heian Period, known for her tragic love story and beauty. The print's intricate details, delicate lines, and vibrant colors are characteristic of Harunobu's distinctive style, which helped to popularize the "bijin-ga" (beautiful woman) genre of ukiyo-e. This print, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the artistic and cultural landscape of 18th-century Japan.