Five fans 

Katsushika Hokusai made this painting of five fans with ink and color on silk. In Hokusai's Japan, fans were more than mere objects; they were social texts that represented an individual's status, taste, and even their political affiliations. Look at the variety here: one fan is a deep, solid black, while others are adorned with vibrant floral patterns. These designs weren't accidental; they were carefully chosen to convey specific meanings. The flowers, for example, might symbolize seasonal changes, personal virtues, or even hidden messages understood within certain social circles. Hokusai’s composition creates a still life that elevates everyday objects into symbols of cultural identity. By studying costume books, social commentaries, and even popular theater from the Edo period, we can decode the rich symbolism embedded in Hokusai’s work. This gives a sense of Japan's intricate social tapestry of the time.