1. Overview
This is a museum-grade, beautifully preserved traditional Japanese woodblock print (Ukiyo-e) titled "Toka no Ame" (十日の雨 - Rain of the Tenth Day) by the legendary genius of the Utagawa School, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).
Originally published during the late Edo period by the renowned house Hisamaru (久丸 / Kudaya Marubei), this high-end revival edition was produced in the late 20th century by the world-famous Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints (アダチ版画研究所). Executed on premium handmade Washi paper, this vintage piece is in near-mint condition, combining historic publishing prestige with contemporary woodcut craftsmanship.
2. Specifications
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳, 1797–1861)
Title: Toka no Ame (十日の雨 - Rain of the Tenth Day)
Original Edo Publisher: Hisamaru / Kudaya Marubei (久丸 / 久田屋丸兵衛)
Modern Publisher/Production: Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints (アダチ版画研究所)
Technique: Genuine hand-carved, hand-printed woodblock print on Echizen Washi paper
Era: Late Showa period (c. 1970s–1980s)
Condition: Near-Mint condition. Vibrant pigmentation and crisp, delicate line work. No fading, creases, or prominent stains.
Dimensions: approx. 33.5 cm × 24.0 cm
3. Artistry and Historical Significance
The Poetic Lore of "Toka no Ame": The title "Toka no Ame" (Rain of the Tenth Day) derives from the classical East Asian idiom Gofu Juu ("Wind every five days, rain every ten days"), a celebrated metaphor for perfect weather, rich harvests, and peaceful times. Kuniyoshi transforms this literary auspicious theme into a chic (Iki) genre portrait of an Edo beauty navigating a atmospheric rainy day.
Kuniyoshi’s Dynamic Female Portraiture: While globally famous for his dynamic warrior prints, Kuniyoshi's Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) are highly prized for their earthly realism, playful spirit, and trendy fashion sensibility. He captures the subtle gestures of a stylish Edo woman holding an umbrella against the rain, showcasing her resilience, charm, and natural elegance.
Adachi’s Masterful Hand-Printing: Recreating the fine linear details of the falling rain and the soft textures of her kimono requires elite craftsmanship. The master artisans at the Adachi Institute have utilized traditional water-based pigments on authentic Washi paper to perfectly recreate the depth and subtle tones intended by Kuniyoshi in the 19th century.
4. Appeal for International Collectors
Utagawa Kuniyoshi is one of the most widely collected Ukiyo-e masters globally, celebrated for his unconventional creative genius. The combination of the historic publisher provenance of Hisamaru, the poetic theme of peaceful rain, and the gold-standard production quality of the Adachi Institute makes this print a premier, investment-grade acquisition. Its striking graphic quality and harmonic colors make it a sophisticated focal piece for any modern interior or serious Asian art collection.
