Three Women in the Rain Shower from the series Taking Shelter from a Sudden Summer Shower

In the late 1790s, Kitagawa Utamaro reached the zenith of his popularity, producing series after series, often in triptych form. One of his lesser-known triptychs is Taking Shelter from a Sudden Summer Shower.

The triptych portrays several people sheltering from incoming rain underneath the leaves of a Midday marvel tree. The loose fitting clothing of the women, along with the exposed breast of the lady furthest to the left, creates a sense of ease, despite the harsh weather.