Antique Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printed Japanese Folding Fan, c. 1870s - LARGE

Description

This is a large Japanese folding fan, probably produced for export, comprised of 28 carved bamboo sticks and two outer guard sticks that have been lacquered. The rivet is brass. The double paper leaf has been printed in black and four other colors; several finishing touches have been painted in by hand. The front is a swirling pattern of red, white, and blue with (left to right) a fishing ship?, two butterflies, a flower garland, and a traditional horse cart conveying three women in traditional dress. The reverse depicts three vignettes (left to right): a cherry tree, the moon rising through mist over Mt. Fuji?, and a woman in traditional dress who appears to have dropped a pail of water. The fan is 12 1/4" long and 22 1/4" wide when fully extended.
A note on dating. This fan is similar in size and decoration to the Japanese fans that took the U.S. by storm at the Philadelphia World's Fair in 1876. Monet's famous painting of a French woman wearing a kimono and holding a similar fan with red, white, and blue swirls also dates to 1876. This fan is part of a large collection of antique Japanese fans given to us to sell for the benefit of our library.
Excellent vintage condition. Colors are bright, minimal wear on edges. Opens and closes easily.