The Autumn Shower, from "Sharing an Umbrella: A Set of Three (Aigasa sanpukutsui)" c. 1748

"The Autumn Shower" is a woodblock print from the series "Sharing an Umbrella: A Set of Three (Aigasa sanpukutsui)" by the renowned Japanese artist Okumura Masanobu (1686–1764). The print, created around 1748, depicts a couple, clad in elegant traditional Japanese attire, seeking shelter from a light autumn rain under a shared umbrella. The delicate, swirling lines of the couple's clothing and the intricate details of the umbrella and blooming cherry blossoms showcase Masanobu's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, which captures the fleeting beauty of everyday life. This print is a testament to the artist's ability to portray the intimate moments of Japanese culture with sensitivity and elegance.