Two Young Girls in a Rain Shower c. 1764 - 1772

Mitsunobu’s woodblock print from seventeenth-century Japan depicts two young women sharing an umbrella in the rain. It is a striking example of ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world.” This art was often commissioned by wealthy merchants who wanted to celebrate their lifestyle. It served as a record of fashionable trends in clothing, hairstyles, and social activities. By focusing on the beauty and pleasure of everyday life, ukiyo-e prints offered a form of escapism from the strict social hierarchies and political unrest of the Edo period. They also reflected changing attitudes toward women, particularly in urban centers like Edo. These prints created a space for exploring female beauty, fashion, and even hints of female agency. To truly understand this print, consider how the ruling class would have regarded it, and what social tensions it might represent. By examining historical records, costume and textile history, and the history of Japanese printmaking, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.