Weergave van klederdracht in alle landen 1882

Kobayashi Kiyochika made this woodblock print, showcasing different national costumes. Observe how the fan appears in the hands of several figures. Once a simple tool for providing a cooling breeze, the fan evolved into a potent symbol of status, refinement, and even secret communication. The fan appears in ancient Greek theatre, where actors used them to conceal their faces, and later in Renaissance paintings, where it became a signifier of wealth and leisure. In contrast, in traditional Japanese culture, the fan represented authority and wisdom when carried by members of the court. Look closer at the fan in the hands of the Japanese figure in this print. This intimate object, capable of concealing or revealing, has become a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Just as it was then, this image represents the non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol, which has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.