A Fan Suggesting a Dispersed Storm (Sensu no seiran) from the series "Eight Fashionable Scenes of the Parlor (Furyu zashiki hakkei)" c. 1777

This woodblock print titled 'A Fan Suggesting a Dispersed Storm' was created by Torii Kiyonaga as part of his series, "Eight Fashionable Scenes of the Parlor". During the late 18th century in Japan, Kiyonaga rose to prominence for his portrayals of idealized female beauty, capturing the elegance and sophistication of women in urban settings. This print, like many of his works, reflects the evolving social status and cultural roles of women during the Edo period. Here we see two women, possibly courtesans or fashionable city dwellers. One woman holds a fan, perhaps alluding to a passing storm, while the other carries a wrapped bundle. Their elaborate kimonos and hairstyles speak to the importance of fashion and social presentation in their world. Kiyonaga’s composition invites us to consider the lives of women and the ways they navigated social expectations. The print offers a glimpse into the intimate lives of women in Japan, capturing both the beauty and the constraints of their era.