Oval fan uchiwa
An oval fan (uchiwa 団扇) , dyed with persimmon juice to strengthen the paper, and featuring a bird drawn in ink on a branch. The bird is a bullfinch (uso ウソ), perched on a peony (botan 牡丹). The peony is known as the queen of flowers and symbolises goodness, happiness, courage and honour, while birds are often associated with the arrival of spring. Birds and flowers (kachō-e 花鳥絵) are a common motif of Japanese painters. The depiction of flora and fauna, especially flowers, birds, and carrion birds, expresses the principles of Shintoism and Buddhism and, indirectly, love and respect for nature. (NVG)
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