A Banquet Scene c. 1795

Chōbunsai Eishi crafted this woodblock print, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, presenting us with an intimate banquet scene. Observe the fan, a seemingly simple object held by the central figure. This is not merely a tool for comfort; it is a symbol pregnant with meaning. In Edo period Japan, fans were both practical and deeply symbolic. They could signify status, taste, and even serve as a subtle means of communication, like a silent language between the figures in the scene. The fan is an echo of earlier symbols of power and authority, such as the scepter in ancient Western art. The fan is a motif of a narrative, and the narrative is never set in stone. Consider the subtle erotic charge that emanates from the courtesans. We see the fan used as a tool of flirtation and sexual suggestion in many artworks throughout history. It is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. As time passes, the fan continues its journey. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.