Gallery 14: Miniature Fan Prints

The woodblock prints in this Gallery are miniatures printed in the ogi (folding fan) shaped format. Despite their small size, they were elaborately printed with metal pigments and often used over 10 impression to produce image. Each print is approximately 13.0 cm in width and 6.4 cm in height. These date from the 1900s to the 1920s. The artists have yet to be identified. As these were initially cut out by the buyer of the print, the edges are not always cleanly cut.

Unidentified Role in an Unidentified Play

The first set of miniature fans depict kabuki roles and plays. Although the images may refer to a specific actor, they are more likely idealized depictions of the character. The additional fan prints depict landscapes, toys, processions, masks and other items and events..

The role of Hangan Yoshitsune in the play Kanjincho. Second Copy.

Unidentified Role in an Unidentified Play

The role of Togashi Saemon in the play Kanjincho. Second Copy.

Unidentified Role and Play (Possibly not Kabuki)

The role of Musashibô Benkei in the play Kanjincho

Unidentified Role in an Unidentified Play

The role of Hangan Yoshitsune in the play Kanjincho

The role of Togashi Saemon in the play Kanjincho

Unidentified Role and Play

The role of Soga Gorô Tokimune in the play Yanone (Second copy)

Unidentified Role in an Unidentified Play

The role of Soga Gorô Tokimune in the play Yanone

Unidentified Role in an Unidentified Play

The miniature fan prints in this section came in a set that included uncut, partly cut, and fully cut out prints. Four of the fans were produced as pochibukuro and can be viewed in Gallery 7. It would appear that the set likely included backing to create these envelopes. Otherwise, it would appear that fan prints were meant to be collected individually or added to other objects as decorative elements. One of the prints in this set is an additional copy of a print in the section above. Thumbnails of the prints are cropped to show only the fan. Clicking on the image will reveal a higher definition of the uncropped print.

Envelope for Set

Pamphlet for Set