Cuckoo (hototogisu) Flying in Rain c. 1832

Curator: Let's explore Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, Cuckoo Flying in Rain, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s visually striking. The diagonal lines of rain create such strong movement, almost pulling the cuckoo downward. Curator: Hiroshige, a master of ukiyo-e, frequently depicted birds and rain, embedding them within specific cultural contexts. The cuckoo, or hototogisu, held particular literary associations. Editor: Right, and the composition heightens the drama. The bird’s placement and posture against the driving rain evoke vulnerability, a sense of struggling against nature’s force. Curator: Indeed. Ukiyo-e prints gained popularity among the merchant class, showcasing accessible nature themes and a shared aesthetic appreciation. Hiroshige, in particular, played a key role in that. Editor: The tonal variations are wonderful. It's more than just descriptive; it generates palpable atmosphere. Curator: A testament to how art can capture fleeting moments, reflecting society's engagement with the natural world. Editor: I find it fascinating how much emotion is conveyed through such sparse visual elements.