Eight Views of Ômi: #2 Night Rain at Karasaki
Utagawa Hiroshige
Description
Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重
Japan, 1797–1858
Eight Views of the Ōmi: #2 Night Rain at Karasaki
Edo period (1615–1868)
ca. 1834
Color woodblock print on paper
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker, 1948/1.135
This print depicts a large and ancient pine tree on the small cape of
Karasaki, seen through a sheet of rain. Karasaki is well known for
this tree, which is revered by many as sacred. The print’s subtle tones
and economical means exemplify Hiroshige’s mastery of multiple
printmaking techniques. Throughout the composition, his focus on
conveying atmosphere over technically accurate details contributes
to the subject’s general sense of mystery. For example, the lack of
detail in the tree makes it appear to be shrouded in fog. This aura
is reinforced by the use of negative space in the foreground—a
technique that involves suggesting forms by filling in the area around
their perimeter with fields of solid color—to render the footpath to
this popular destination notably devoid of any life.
(Japanese Gallery Rotation, Summer 2025)
Subject Matter:
This print is one of eight that depicted the beauty of Ômi province, centered around Lake Biwa. Specifically, this print shows Karasaki, a small cape with a famous enormous pine tree, depicted here in the rain. The tree was said to be sacred and a small shrine is located on the island near the tree.
Physical Description:
Vertical lines stream downward across the print indicate torrents of rain. The dark color pallette and black strip across the top indicate that the image is set at night. A giant tree on an island looms over the image, surrounded by water. A poem in the upper left corner reads:
"Elsewhere will they talk of the music of the evening breeze
that has made the pine of Karasaki famous; the voice of the
wind is not heard through the sound of the rain in the night."
Usage Rights:
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