Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain

Chōbunsai Eishi

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In this sophisticated image of beauties enjoying an outing, the original content of the theme is intentionally obscured. Only the rain and the small boat in the distance refer to the Kabuki play Komachi Praying for Rain. The lushness of the summer scene and the fresh beauty of the women are subtly enhanced by the avoidance of color in the monochrome print. Throughout his career, Chōbunsai Eishi, son of a samurai family, focused exclusively on the subject of elegant women.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art