Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman 1720 - 1740

This woodblock print depicts the actor Sanjo Kantaro, created by Okumura Toshinobu in the 18th century. Note the fan he holds, a symbol of power and status, yet here, it is used with delicate femininity. Consider the recurring motif of the fan throughout history, from ancient Rome to Renaissance Europe. It was initially a practical item and soon transformed into a symbol of elegance and refined sensuality. The fan’s gesture and the way it is held, can speak volumes about the wearer's inner emotional state and status. The stylized depiction of the actor with a fan touches on themes of transformation and identity. In a way, the image speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly being reinterpreted, embodying the collective memory and subconscious desires of each era. Notice that, regardless of the context, the fan retains its power to elicit a deep, almost primal response.