Artwork

Taking Shelter from the Rain

Taking Shelter from the Rain, by Teisai Hokuba, unspecified, 1822
Taking Shelter from the Rain, by Teisai Hokuba, unspecified, 1822

Taking Shelter from the Rain is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Teisai Hokuba. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The inclusion of oxen alongside the human family unit emphasizes the integration of agriculture and domestic existence within the landscape.

Teisai Hokuba's 1822 painting, Taking Shelter from the Rain, depicts a rural scene centered on figures seeking refuge from a downpour. The composition includes specific iconographic elements: a man, a woman, a child, and oxen gathered together. These figures represent a moment of communal survival and daily life in Edo-period Japan, capturing the immediacy of weather as a force that unites travelers and laborers.

The inclusion of oxen alongside the human family unit emphasizes the integration of agriculture and domestic existence within the landscape. The work serves as a visual record of common people navigating environmental conditions, highlighting themes of resilience and shared human experience without resorting to allegorical abstraction.

History & Provenance

Taking Shelter from the Rain is a painting by the Japanese artist Teisai Hokuba, dated to 1822. The work was created in Japan during the early nineteenth century. It subsequently entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently held.

No further details regarding an original commission, intermediate ownership, or transfer history are documented in the available sources.

Overview

Teisai Hokuba's painting, "Taking Shelter from the Rain," created in 1822, is a vibrant depiction of urban life. Currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this work captures a bustling street scene where various individuals react to a sudden downpour. The composition offers a dynamic glimpse into the daily activities and communal experience of people navigating an unexpected change in weather during the early 19th century.

Technique & Style

Hokuba utilized a distinctive artistic approach, employing simple yet bold lines to delineate the figures and animals within the composition. The palette features flat, bright colors, including reds, greens, and blues, which contrast effectively against the light yellow background, creating a lively and stylized aesthetic. An intricately patterned border, designed to resemble woven fabric, frames the central image, adding a decorative element to the overall presentation.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Taking Shelter from the Rain?

Taking Shelter from the Rain was painted by Teisai Hokuba in 1822-01-01.

Where can I see Taking Shelter from the Rain?

Taking Shelter from the Rain is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Taking Shelter from the Rain?

Taking Shelter from the Rain is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of Taking Shelter from the Rain?

Museum-quality prints of Taking Shelter from the Rain are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.