The artwork “Rainy Season at Ryoshimachi” was created by the artist Hasui Kawase in 1931. It is a cityscape belonging to the Shin-hanga art movement, which sought to revive the traditional ukiyo-e art style in the context of the early twentieth century, often blending it with Western elements of realism.
The artwork depicts an evocative scene set during the rainy season in Ryoshimachi, which seems to be a tranquil and somewhat misty waterside town. The composition is centered around a wooden boat moored on calm waters, with its reflection visibly cast below. A lone figure, with their back turned to the viewer and holding a traditional Japanese umbrella, stands prominently on the wooden dock beside the boat, creating a focal point that draws the eye.
Buildings of varying sizes and shapes line the shore and a bridge spans the water in the middle ground, connecting parts of the town. The scene is rendered in rich tones, with the grey of the overcast sky suffusing the entire setting with a cool, damp mood. This suggests the persistent presence of rain, which can be seen lightly touching down upon the scene in delicate, angled lines. The dusky colors and the intimate glimpse of daily life during inclement weather highlight Kawase’s attention to both atmospheric conditions and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Overall, the artwork captures the contemplative ambiance one might feel while observing a gentle rainfall in a serene town.
