<b>RAIN ON IZUMIBASHI</b> / Takahashi Hiroaki (Shotei)1922<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

Takahashi Hiroaki provides the viewer with a charming design of three figures clad with open umbrellas, to varying degrees of success, as they cross an old-fashioned wooden bridge in the rain. The strongest source of light emanates from two handheld paper lanterns as they illuminate the path and rain in front of them. Interestingly, this print is the original and much rarer version of the design. It was produced before the 1923 earthquake and ensuing fires that destroyed much of the city of Tokyo, including the publisher's shop. Only copies sold and moved out of the city prior to this catastrophe survived. Compared to the later 1927 reworking, this design has a stronger sense of movement and directness, resulting in a more lifelike composition.

Connoisseur's Note

The print is executed as a mitsugiri-ban composition, as evident by its relatively narrow format compared to the conventional oban size configuration. Hiroaki often utilized by Hiroaki, as he was quite skilled at creating compositions that were enhanced by its distinct slender and protracted shape. In this design, the narrow format accentuates the prolonged feeling of crossing a bridge amid a downpour.

This print's condition is exceedingly fine, as it was never framed nor exposed to light for prolonged periods. The colors are in a pristine state of preservation and appear as fresh and vibrant as the day the work was executed.

As noted, this is an exceedingly rare and important pre-earthquake Hiroaki design.