Belt and Fan on a Piece of Cloth 1615 - 1868

Kubo Shunman created this print of a belt and fan on a piece of cloth during the Edo period, a time of significant cultural and economic change in Japan. The items depicted represent more than just material possessions. The obi, or belt, and fan were closely associated with identity, particularly for women. The obi, essential for securing the kimono, also symbolized social status and personal expression through its elaborate designs. Similarly, the fan was both a practical tool and a marker of refinement and taste. In placing these items on a cloth, Shunman blurs the boundary between the intimate and the public, suggesting a narrative about gender roles and societal expectations. The arrangement hints at absence, prompting contemplation on the identities and stories that might be woven into these objects. The subtle eroticism of the scene invites us to consider the complex interplay of desire, representation, and cultural identity. This intimate still life reflects the delicate balance between personal expression and social constraints.