Actors as Ushiwakamaru, Kisanta, Kiichi Hogen, and Minazuru-hime c. 1847 - 1852

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi captures actors in roles from a Kabuki play, dominated by the figure of Kiichi Hogen, a mountain hermit, brandishing a fan. Consider the fan itself: an object of control and authority, it is used to direct the action, connecting to its ancient use in dynastic societies worldwide. We see it in ancient Minoan frescoes as well as carried by Egyptian pharaohs, evolving from a practical object into a symbol of ritual significance. Here, Kiichi Hogen's fan acts as a bridge connecting mortal and divine realms. Observe the dynamic postures and expressions. They invite us into a world where archetypal narratives play out, exploring universal themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Just as classical Greek tragedies tapped into the collective unconscious, so too does this print, activating our emotional memory and resonating with timeless human experiences. The visual language connects us across eras.