National Museum of Asian Art
Fans and clouds over rocks and water
Hon'ami Koetsu 本阿弥光悦 (1558-1637) · early 17th century
Fans decorated with painting and calligraphy are mounted on this painted screen to create the illusion that they are scattered across a silver river. The silver has darkened over time to a nearly black tone. Screens of this type were inspired by the story of a prince and his retinue crossing a bridge in Kyoto. When the prince tossed his fan into the river, the sight was so beautiful that his companions followed suit, tossing their fans and remarking at their beauty as they fluttered toward the water.
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