Outfit for the Game of Incense 19th century

This fan print was created by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai in Japan in the early 19th century. It depicts the elegant accoutrements of the incense game, a popular pastime in aristocratic circles. The image creates meaning through its arrangement of visual cues. The incense burner and game board signify sophistication, leisure, and refinement, all hallmarks of the high social status. The fan shape itself is culturally resonant, hinting at the world of courtesans and the floating world of Edo pleasure districts. Shinsai's choice of this imagery reflects the cultural norms of the time, where artistic patronage often came from the wealthy elite. It is likely that this artwork would appeal to the educated and refined citizens of Japan. Understanding this image requires considering the social conditions of Edo-period Japan, which valued high society and accomplishment in the arts. Scholarly resources like period literature, social histories, and museum collections help us to more fully interpret the fan's nuanced representation of culture and class.