The Actor, Nakamura Shichisaburo II, 1703–1774 as a Woman with Fan 1706 - 1763

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu II presents the actor Nakamura Shichisaburo II as a woman, elegantly holding a fan. The fan itself, adorned with botanical motifs, serves not merely as an accessory but as a symbolic extension of the figure's persona, hinting at both refinement and a hidden narrative. Consider how the depiction of actors in female roles transcends mere representation. We see echoes of this blurring of gender roles in various cultural practices across time. The fan is also a symbol that has shifted through history. Once a symbol of power and status, it is now a mere accessory. Yet the subconscious act of concealing the face conveys emotions like coyness, secrecy, and longing. This image lingers in our minds, a testament to the enduring human fascination with identity, performance, and the subtle language of symbols.