SENSU "Hand-fan"

In this image, the Maiko is performing an Odori, Japanese traditional dance, that poetically narrates a sad stories of an impossible love.

In this shoot she actually was constantly turning looking at the fan on her hand. I was completely impressed at her concentration level.

In general,the traditional Japanese fan dance is performed by a young woman, either singly or in a group of dancers.

It involves using a hand-held fan as a prop. The dancers often wear brightly coloured Japanese kimonos, and have elaborately arranged hair and bold make-up. Fan dancing involves slow, deliberate movements, figures and poses, which sometimes tell a story.

In this case, the fan represent a mirror, where the Maiko can see her future to come.
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History: The earliest recorded fan dances in Japan took place in 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Jimmu. Fan dancing was a dance of high social status, and only performed at court, among aristocrats. The dance would be accompanied by traditional Japanese music, and was often used to portray a story, as many of the gestures are symbolic. It was popular at court for many centuries and formed an integral part of celebrations, including coronations and marriage ceremonies.