“Two Beauties in Rain,” created by Ohara Koson in 1935, is a genre painting from the Shin-hanga art movement. This artwork, rendered on paper, depicts a serene and delicate scene typical of the movement’s focus on combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern printing techniques.
The artwork captures two elegantly dressed women, each holding an ornate parasol, walking amid a gentle rain. One woman is adorned in a red and black kimono while the other wears a blue and red attire. The parasols they hold are intricately patterned, with the red one contrasting beautifully against the more muted tones of the scene. Above them, a graceful tree branch extends, its leaves providing a natural canopy that frames the scene. High in the background, two birds can be seen flying amid the gentle rainfall, adding a touch of movement and life to the tranquil atmosphere. The rain, depicted as fine lines, creates a sense of softness, enhancing the delicate and peaceful mood of the painting. The muted colors and elegant composition exemplify the refined beauty characteristic of the Shin-hanga movement.
