Summer Twilight on the Banks of the Sumida River c. 1784

This woodblock print, Summer Twilight on the Banks of the Sumida River, was created by Torii Kiyonaga in the late 18th century. We see three women pausing at twilight by the Sumida River. Note the fan held by the central figure: across cultures and times, the fan represents not only a practical tool for comfort, but also a symbol of status, elegance, and even secrecy. In ancient Greece, fans were associated with Dionysian rituals, while in Renaissance Europe, they became potent symbols of aristocratic identity. The fan's ability to conceal and reveal makes it a powerful vehicle for non-verbal communication. Consider how the act of fanning oneself can express a range of emotions, from nonchalance to agitation. The way a fan is held, displayed, or manipulated conveys a language all its own, creating a silent dialogue between the holder and the observer. Its symbolism is ever-changing, a cultural chameleon adapting to new eras and contexts.