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Introduction

The Art of the Fan

Uchiwa-e in Japanese Prints
December 7, 2001 - March 3, 2002

Uchiwa-e have a distinct shape directly related to their function. Normally these prints were cut and mounted onto stiff, flat wooden frames with handles and sold as fans. Fans had been used in Japan for centuries, but during the Edo period (1615-1868) they came to be seen everywhere in Japanese prints: held by kabuki actors, courtesans, and ordinary folk.

Very few examples of fan prints survived because they were used and discarded. The museum’s collection is unusual for its variety and quality.

In Japan, seasonal references are of great importance. In making a selection at the fan shop, the buyer would certainly consider the symbolism of the individual designs and the seasonal appropriateness of their imagery. Irises and peonies represent summer, morning glories and cotton roses (a type of hibiscus) late summer and early fall, and chrysanthemums the full bloom of autumn.

Selected Objects

Utagawa Sadahide

Ayu fish and bell flowers (Ayu to kikyo), 1843-1847

Utagawa Sadahide

Java sparrow and rice plants (Kome no hana ni suzume), 1834

Utagawa Sadahide

Reed warblers, iris and Indian strawberries (Kakitsubata yoshikiri hebiichigo), 1834

Possibly Gakuki

Mount Fuji and pine (Matsu to Fujisan), 1820's

Utagawa Hiroshige

Canary and rose mallow (Fuyo ni kanaria), 1852

Utagawa Hiroshige

Golden pheasant and snow-covered pine (Setchu komatsu ni kinkei), 1830's

Utagawa Hiroshige

Kingfisher and peonies (Botan ni kawasemi), 1830's

Katsukawa Shunzan

Cockerel, hen and plum (Ume ni niwatori), 1790's

Attributed to Katsukawa Shunzan

Rising sun and Takasago pine (Hinode to Takasago no matsu), 1790's

Tsukioka Tanka

Descending geese and flying swallows (Kaeru gan to kuru tsubame), 1825

Utagawa Hiroshige

Morning glories (Asagao), 1843-1847

Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川 国芳

Chrysanthemums under the moon (Tsuki ni kiku), ca. 1830

Utagawa Sadahide

Peonies (Botan), 1835

Utagawa Sadafusa

Chrysanthemums (Kiku), 1843-1847

Utagawa Kunisada II

Herbaceous peonies and great tits (Shakuyaku ni shijukara), 1858

Utagawa Hiroshige

Sparrow and winter camellias (Kantsubaki ni suzume), 1843-1847

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

Cuckoo and Moon (Tsuki ni hototogisu), 1828

Utagawa Hiroshige

Rose mallow (Fuyo), 1843-1847

More objects +

Exhibition Checklist

The Art of the Fan : Uchiwa-e in Japanese Prints

December 7, 2001 - March 3, 2002
View Checklist PDF

RISD Museum

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