Ten (10) Japanese Fans with Original Artwork and Hand colored, 1880s

Japan, 1880. Good to very good. Minor toning, spotting, short tears. Light dust soiling.. Ten (10) Japanese Fans from the 1880s, most likely created for the tourist trade. In the late 19th century following the forced reopening of Japanese trade with the West, Western countries became intensely interested in Japanese art and culture, a phenomenon now referred to as "Japonisme". Each of the fans features either a natural motif, with flora and birds, or figures in traditional Japanese dress. It is through such objects that much of the West was introduced to aspects of Japanese culture, such as Geisha. Each fan measures approx. 6.5" by 20", and features some original artwork in ink and water color. Five (5) are original art and five (5) are hand colored and decorated with outlined images of intricate characters. One with original work on both sides. The remainder are one sided. Two (2) are signed.