In a Long Undergarment (variant) 1929

This woodblock print, titled "In a Long Undergarment," was created by Torii Kotondo, capturing a seated woman adorned in a vibrant red kimono. The kimono, a powerful cultural symbol, signifies not only identity and status, but also the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. The fan she holds is not merely an accessory; it is an object loaded with meaning. Similar fans can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, evolving from utilitarian tools to symbols of power and elegance. Like the Japanese fan, they've appeared in countless artworks, each time carrying echoes of past meanings while adapting to new cultural contexts. Consider the red color of the kimono: throughout history, red has been associated with passion and vitality, but also danger. This duality resonates on a psychological level, evoking intense emotions and tapping into our collective memories. Such visual elements act as conduits, inviting viewers into a dialogue that transcends time and geography, reflecting our ever-evolving understanding of symbols and their place in the human experience.