Print 1786 - 1854

This woodblock print was created by Utagawa Kunisada in Japan. At its heart we find a woman carrying an umbrella, a motif that has journeyed through art history across cultures. The umbrella, in this context, is not merely protection from the elements. Think of similar depictions of the Madonna, often sheltered beneath a canopy, symbolizing protection and reverence. Here, the umbrella may represent a shield from worldly concerns, an emblem of status, or even a nod to the fleeting nature of beauty, much like the cherry blossoms encircling the cartouche. This imagery is not static; it evolves, adapting to new cultural landscapes. Each iteration echoes in the collective memory of those who view it, engaging our subconscious and linking us through a web of shared visual experience.