Description
Fine woodblock print of the uchiwa-e (団扇絵) type, that is intended for the decoration of a bamboo uchiwa (団扇) fan, depicting morning glory flowers (朝顔) and made between 1880 and 1910 by the artist Nabeta Gyokuei (鍋田玉英), a pupil of the famous Toyohara Chikanobu (豊原周延) considered a master of fuzokuga (風俗画) genre painting and also appreciated for his fans, which in June 1892 were celebrated in the important Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞).
The uchiwa fan is one of the most popular accessories of Japanese women since the 6th century and, born as an object of daily use, it soon became also a small work of art to be carried as a manifestation of the mood as well as of good taste.
The woodblock print on Japanese washi paper (和紙), despite the right signs of aging and some binding holes, is in good condition.
