Nishiki-e. Color woodblock print, signed on the plate: Hiroshige ga
Series: Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, - Hoeido Tokaido The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido (Horizontal) No. 46
Date: 1833-34, Tenpô period 4–5
Format: oban yoko-e (mm. 224x348)
Publisher: Hoeidō Takenouchi Magohachi.
Censor: kiwame, missing
Bibliography: Forrer, Hiroshige (1997), #110; Ukiyo-e shûka 14 (1981), Hiroshige list, p. 245, horizontal ôban #55.46, Strange 141.46 V/V. Lane 236.115.46
Museum of Fine Art Boston: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/464185
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/36521
Art institute Chicago: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/25761/shono-driving-rain-shono-hakuu-from-the-series-fifty-three-stations-of-the-tokaido-tokaido-gojusan-tsugi-no-uchi-also-known-as-the-hoeido-tokaido
Splendid proof with excellent colors in the V state on V, one of the rare times in which one can speak of a state, in this case before and after the writings on the umbrellas. Printed on Japanese paper, datable to the second half of the 19th century. In perfect condition except for wear along the margins. With good margins all around beyond the marginal line.
One of the most famous scenes from this series, Sudden Shower at Shōno, demonstrates Hiroshige's genius in capturing the feeling of a violent thunderstorm. Palanquin bearers and villagers walk through the pouring rain, while the showers of rain are depicted with distinct slanted lines. Shōno had no view that corresponded to the scenery shown here, and it seems that the drawing was purely imaginary.