Shōno- Driving Rain

Utagawa Hiroshige made this print, Shōno- Driving Rain, using woodblock printing, a technique known as *ukiyo-e*. Look closely and you'll see that the wood grain subtly appears through the ink, activating the surface. This complex process, which involves carving a separate block for each color, was not the work of a solitary artist. Instead, a division of labor underpinned *ukiyo-e* prints, with specialist carvers and printers collaborating with the artist to realize the final image. The dramatic weather effects rely on the impress of the printing and the combination of colors. The falling rain is represented by a series of lines, which direct our eye to the movement of the figures. Understanding the labor involved in the production process and the division of labor, helps us to recognize the rich history of creative practices and aesthetics that extend beyond fine art, offering insights into the social and cultural context of this beautiful print.