Driving Rain at Shono 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige made this woodblock print, “Driving Rain at Shono,” with ink and colors on paper. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process. Each color requires a separate block, carved by hand with specialized tools. The striking diagonal rain, the blurred figures struggling against the wind, and the muted colors evoke the harshness of the journey. The texture of the paper adds depth and a tactile quality to the scene, emphasizing the wetness and the rough terrain. Japanese prints were made through collaborative workshops, involving the artist, block carver, and printer. The level of detail and precision speaks to the skill of the artisans involved, and to the high level of specialization within the craft system. These prints were made for mass consumption, and were a product of a highly organized commercial enterprise. Paying attention to materials, processes, and social context enhances our appreciation of this artwork. It challenges the boundaries of traditional art history, by highlighting the intersection of craft, design, and materiality.