De dichteres Komachi biddend voor regen 1760 - 1770

Editor: We're looking at "The Poet Komachi Praying for Rain," a drawing made with ink on paper around 1760-1770 by Torii Kiyomitsu. It's a bit faded, but I still sense a powerful mood. The heavy rain seems almost like a physical presence. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, this is like peering into a half-remembered dream. Kiyomitsu captured something so fleeting here. Rain itself, well, it’s more than just weather, isn’t it? In Japanese art, rain can wash away sorrow, nourish new beginnings, or even represent the tears of the gods. Notice how it obscures the background, blurring the line between the earthly and the divine. Editor: So, the rain's symbolic weight contributes to the emotional tone of the image? Curator: Exactly! Komachi, the poet, is herself an intriguing figure. Praying for rain wasn’t just about agriculture; it was about asking for blessings, for renewal. The artist invites us to meditate on her faith, her vulnerability. Consider, too, the male figure beside her. Protection? Judgement? Another artist reflecting another soul, hoping for the downpour, if that makes any sense. What does he say to you? Editor: I guess I didn't pick up on such rich meanings, especially the connections to poetry and the land. But that's such an insightful lens to bring to ukiyo-e! Thanks for opening up that point of view. Curator: My pleasure! It is interesting to think that what’s washed away in front of us, opens an interesting reflection as time marches on, revealing secrets anew.