Stormachtige dag aan de Sumida rivier 1844

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print depicting a stormy day on the Sumida River. The woman's kimono features a repeating geometric pattern, which resembles linked diamonds or stylized floral motifs, a design deeply rooted in Japanese textile traditions. This motif echoes through time, appearing on samurai armor as a symbol of strength and resilience, and later adorning fabrics of the Edo period. Think of the way the lotus flower—a motif of purity—is refigured in Christian art as the Madonna's lily, each iteration laden with cultural significance. Here, the pattern's recurrence underscores a connection to tradition, while also subtly hinting at the transience of life, mirroring the cherry blossoms scattered by the wind. Notice how the woman touches her neck, a tender gesture suggesting vulnerability amidst the storm. The artist captures a profound emotional state, tapping into our shared subconscious understanding of beauty, loss, and renewal. Each viewing becomes a poignant meditation on our own fleeting existence.