The japanese fan can be of different shapes : square, oval or round, and is traditionally made of bamboo or wood. Often very colorful, the range of japanese sports grounds Sakura, like the cherry blossoms traditional Japan.
What is an Ogi fan made of?
Sensu/Ogi: This fan is often also known more simply as a folding fan. The original incarnations of were made from bamboo covered with Japanese washi paper (find out more in our Guide to Washi Paper). Today they are typically made of paper, sandalwood, or silk, but cloth/cotton ones exist too.
What are fans used for in ancient Japan?
In ancient Japan, fans were used in war and battle and can be spilt into three categories. The first is the tessen, the second gunpai, and the third gunsen. Tessen – a folding fan used like a weapon when in situations where swords were not allowed. It was used to block darts or knives. Made from iron and steel, they were used by the Samurai class.
What are handheld fans made of?
Generally, purpose-made handheld fans are folding fans, which are shaped like a sector of a circle and made of a thin material (such as paper or feathers) mounted on slats which revolve around a pivot so that it can be closed when not in use.
What kind of wood is used for Japanese fans?
The wood sticks are called "fan bones." Japanese fans are typically made with bamboo, but flat bamboo sticks are difficult to find. As a substitute, basswood strips work just as well. Basswood is similar to balsa wood, except it's more durable. You can find basswood sticks in craft stores and hobby shops.
When was the Japanese fan made?
The folding hand fan is believed to have been invented in Japan sometime in the 6th to 9th century. The first Japanese folding fans were called Akomeōgi (衵扇 ), after the dresses worn by Japanese court women, the Akome.
Who made the Japanese fan?
It is believed that the fan came to Japan from China. In the 6-7th centuries silk and paper fans became very popular. Initially, they were imported from China, but gradually acquired new forms, eventually transforming into the two basic Japanese fans known as uchiwa and sensu.
What is a Japanese paper fan?
Japanese fans are made of paper on a bamboo frame, usually with a design painted on them. In addition to folding fans (ōgi), the non-bending fans (uchiwa) are popular and commonplace. The fan is primarily used for fanning oneself in hot weather.
How do you make Japanese style fans?
You will need 10 wood sticks to make the fan.Step 1: : Pierce a Hole in Each Wood Stick. ... Step 2: : Insert a Head Pin Through the Sticks. ... Step 3: : Close the Other End of the Head Pin. ... Step 4: : Draw an Arc on White Paper. ... Step 5: : Position the Wood Sticks. ... Step 6: : Trace an Outline of the Sticks.More items...
Where are Japanese fans made?
Kyoto: Kyoto, the home of Japanese traditional culture tourism is where you'll find two excellent fan making workshops.
What is Japanese paper made of?
Paper mulberry is the most commonly used fiber in making Japanese paper. The mulberry branches are boiled and stripped of their outer bark, and then dried. The fibers are then boiled with lye to remove the starch, fat and tannin, and then placed in running water to remove the spent lye.
What material are hand fans made of?
Typically made of cotton cloth fabric, cloth fans or fabric fans come in a huge assortment of colors, patterns, and prints.
How do you make a Japanese hand paper fan?
2:276:30How to make a Japanese hand fan | No bamboo sticks required - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipああああああ。 ムーディーズおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおああああああ。 ああああああ。Moreああああああ。 ムーディーズおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおおああああああ。 ああああああ。
How do you make a Japanese fan out of Popsicle sticks?
1:564:31Popsicle Stick Paper Fan | Mulan Week - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne fold at a time then you're gonna grab two popsicle sticks these ones are the big popsicle sticksMoreOne fold at a time then you're gonna grab two popsicle sticks these ones are the big popsicle sticks so they're a little bit wider than the normal ones you would get for popsicles.
What is a Japanese hand fan called?
A Sensu or Ogi (folding fan) is an implement used to move air by hand like Uchiwa fans, and its frame is several dozens of wooden strips tied together with thread at their ends (kaname referred to as pivot), and when used, a Sensu or Ogi is widely unfolded and waved back and forth to create a cooling airflow.
How do you make a fan out of fabric?
1:195:11How to make an Ankara Hand Fan in 5minutes! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe amount of the width of your rectangle. Because you need to fold the fusible fleece in it. Now.MoreThe amount of the width of your rectangle. Because you need to fold the fusible fleece in it. Now. Once once you're done doing that you're just going to iron your entire fabric.
How do you make a Chinese fabric fan?
11:2712:35DIY Fabric Hand Fan Tutorial || Goth in Summer Box June 2018 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd continue around the fan checking for wrinkles as you fold the first time especially tucking thatMoreAnd continue around the fan checking for wrinkles as you fold the first time especially tucking that fabric in to make the folds. And then as you can see we had glued the fabric to underneath.
What is a Japanese fan called?
The electronic fan is called a senpuuki, but when you talk about the hand held fan, there are variations of form, function, and appearance that all have unique, Japanese names. We can begin with the flat, immutable fan that is waved from its handle, much as you might wave a broad leaf by its stem.
Who invented hand fans?
The folding hand fan is recognized as being invented in Japan or China with both countries holding legends of its creation. In Japan the fan is thought to be modeled after the folding wings of a bat, while the Chinese believe the sight of a woman fanning her face mask at a festival led to the tool's creation.
What are Japanese folding fans called?
OgiThe folding fan (Ogi) as opposed to the much older fixed or flat fan (Uchiwa) is popularly thought to have originated in Japan around 670 A.D. made of wooden or bamboo strips threaded together and secured by a rivet or pivot.
What is Japanese fan dance called?
Tsutsumi practices a traditional dance form known as nihon buyo (Japanese classical dance). Dating back to the early 17th century, the tradition of nihon buyo is, in fact, inextricably linked to both the Japanese theater tradition of kabuki and the practice of Zen Buddhism.
What are Japanese fans made of?
Japanese fans are typically made with bamboo, but flat bamboo sticks are difficult to find. As a substitute, basswood strips work just as well. Basswood is similar to balsa wood, except it's more durable. You can find basswood sticks in craft stores and hobby shops.
What is a Japanese folding fan?
Japanese folding fans, also known as sensu, are as beautiful as they are functional. Fashioned out of decorative paper and wood, you can make your own in just a few simple steps.
How to make a fan out of paper?
Place the fan on the "wrong" side of the paper. Turn the fan over, glue side down, and adhere it to the "wrong" side of the decorative paper. Make sure the two half circles at the bottom line up, with the decorative paper extending past the white lining by about 1/4 inch.
What does folding up a fan do?
Folding up the fan will create pleats.
How to make a wood stick?
Image Credit: Jonathan Fong. Measure 1 inch from the end of each wood stick and puncture a hole at the midpoint with a push pin. Place a cutting mat underneath the wood so the pin can go all the way through.
What are the three types of fans in Japan?
In ancient Japan, fans were used in war and battle and can be spilt into three categories. The first is the tessen, the second gunpai, and the third gunsen. Tessen – a folding fan used like a weapon when in situations where swords were not allowed. It was used to block darts or knives.
What are Uchiwa fans made of?
They are rigid structures that do not fold. It is thought that they were made from big leaves and animal hair to begin with. Some were rectangular in shape, though now are created in a more rounded circular shape. They had many uses and their journey starts with exclusivity, for only nobility were allowed to use them. As well as being used in ceremonies they were used by the Chinese Imperial family to hide their faces in public.
Why were fans used in the court?
Fans were not pieces of artwork initially. Indeed it was many centuries before it was considered an art form worth properly pursuing. In fact, these fans were actually supposed to only be opened when necessary. Their journey started as being tools to transport information for the aristocracy and for the use of the Samurai classes. They were used for recording maps, textbooks, prayers, calendars, letters, court announcements and so on. Women in court had specific folding fans that they had to carry depending on their social standing and marriage; a symbol of their rank.
What shape were the Chinese emperors?
Some were rectangular in shape, though now are created in a more rounded circular shape. They had many uses and their journey starts with exclusivity, for only nobility were allowed to use them. As well as being used in ceremonies they were used by the Chinese Imperial family to hide their faces in public.
Why were swords used in ancient Japan?
In ancient Japan, they were first used as symbols to indicate people’s rank in society. They were also used as weapons and a place to write messages. In battles, they were used as signals to their soldiers and they are still to this day used in important ceremonies and rituals.
When was the folding fan invented?
The folding fan was invented in the Japanese court between the 6-9th century . There is no one confirmed account of who created them, but a few challengers. One put forward is a hermit, while the other is Emperor Gosanjo (1069-1073AD), who in an attempt to save his favorite fan, stuck the cracking wooden slats onto paper.
Where were folding fans made?
From 15th-century centers of production all over Japan with professional fan painters and makers were being established. Japan began to be considered master artisans of the folding fan and was sought after for their quality and delicacy. By the 15th century folding fans were being exported out of Japan in huge numbers.
When did Japan export fans?
During the Edo period (1615 - 1868), the use of Japanese fans reached all other social classes and Japan even started to export them abroad.
Where did folding fans originate?
The ancestor of the folding fan as we know it today, originated in China, Egypt and Greece. The first fan looked like a screen with a fixed handle and could not fold on itself.
What is an Uchiwa fan?
The uchiwa fan: made up of a handle and a fixed paper or fabric screen, this fan does not fold. Its shape looks like a ping-pong paddle or a palm leaf. You can often see this style of fan at festivals or ceremonies. Nowadays, uchiwa fans can be distributed by companies and businesses who wish to see their logo waving around the city streets on hot summer days.
What is a Gunsen fan?
The gunsen fan: also known as the war fan, this type of fan featured a steel frame and was used by the medieval warlord, the shogun, to transmit orders during the battles. When opened, the fan was used to give a rallying sign and to direct the troops. When closed, it served as a guard and protection during a sword fight.
What is an OGI fan?
Usually made of bamboo covered with Japanese washi paper, a paper made of mulberry fibers that is soft and resistant to folding and tearing. The sensu makes a very nice gift idea to bring back from Japan; it is compact, practical and often adorned with beautiful traditional designs. Before giving it to someone, it is important to know about the meaning of the Japanese pattern.
What did Japanese people use their fans for?
Japanese fans appeared throughout everyday life, especially for the aristocracy. People used them as memo pads, road maps, fashion, and as a part of etiquette. When offering a gift in the Edo period, you presented it on a half-open fan. When bowing on the floor, you laid your fan ahead of you. This little gesture actually saved a man’s life.
What is the oldest fan in Japan?
The oldest Japanese reference to a fan appears during the time of Emperor Yuryaku (457-479). The emperor ordered a purple, leaf-shaped fan attached to a pole that was meant to be an ornament for the palace (Casal, 1960). Hand-fans were imported into the Japanese court or were sent as gifts from the Chinese and Korea courts. However, a reference dating from 763 AD showed scholars also used fans. In the reference, the emperor grants permission to Jozo, a wise, old and sickly man to appear before him. The text also allows Jozo to carry his staff and uchiwa, a stiff, rounded fan. It shows how these expensive fans were exclusive to nobility.
What is the iron fan Araki carried?
The iron fan Araki carried, called a tessen, is a relative to the war fan, or gunsen, that generals used to signal troops on the battlefield. Both were made of steel, wood, and paper and lacquered to help them resist the weather and enemy weapons. They became a part of a sword dance style that appeared during the Meiji period as we shall see. The war fan descended from the Chinese practice of generals carrying a horse-tail whisk as a symbol of their power. In Japan, military leaders first used a tassel of leather or paper strips called a saihai to do the same, but steel war fans eventually replaced these symbols of power.
What do paper fans symbolize?
Paper fans symbolize Japan, right up there with giant robots, sushi, geisha, and kimono. While a humble part of fashion and summer, the fan has a history of its own. Japan isn’t unique in having fans. It’s the most convenient way to cool off, after all. A leaf or anything flexible can become a fan, but fans also served as part of ceremonies and as symbols of power. Egyptian Pharaohs owned large ceremonial fans as various stone carvings and wall paintings attest, but the oldest known surviving fans, two woven bamboo hand screens, were found in a Chinese tomb dating to around 2 BC (Yelavich, 2009). That’s the issue with fans–they didn’t survive.
Is paper fan culture coming back?
The humble paper fan has a rich lore and history for being what is a throw-away item. It is possible that fan-culture will make a comeback as summers grow warmer and longer. Fans would lend a personal touch, particularly if the fans are hand-made, to everyday life.
Who invented the paper fan?
In another fun story about the paper fan’s invention, Emperor Gosanjo (1069-1073 AD) had a favorite fan with slats cracked in several places. He was a thrifty emperor and high-quality fans at the time could cost 15 bushels of rice. So he pasted paper at the back of the fan to keep it together, accidentally improving the functionality of the wooden fan and eventually leading to a fan that could be tucked into a kimono sleeve.
Do wood block fans survive?
Sadly, despite their importance and commonality, wood-block printed fans and other paper fans are scarce. However, the stories that involve fans survive, such as this one about Yoshitsune (Casal 1960):
What is a Japanese folding fan?
One of the most interesting items that gradually became a weapon is the Sensu, the Japanese folding fan. A hand fan was considered an important fashion accessory in Japan, especially for people who belonged to the Samurai and Chonin classes. Folding fans were invented in Japan and they were used by the Japanese aristocrats as early as ...
When did Japanese fans come to Europe?
They used to bring their fans during social gatherings. During the 13th century, the Japanese started to export folding fans to China. The fashion trend then reached Europe. The courtiers of France’s Bourbon dynasty considered the Kyo Sensu a highly prized item at that time.
Why do samurai wear tessen?
The Samurai used to wear the Tessen when they were disarmed. This could be for several reasons, like when they met their superiors, did household chores, when on leisure time, or any other time the Samurai did not carry their swords.
What is a Sensu fan?
The earliest version of the Sensu is the Hinoki fan. A Hinoki fan was made of thin pieces of Japanese cypress Hinoki wood. Many years later, folding fans evolved and became more elegant. Japanese artisans then started to paint and sprinkle their folding fans with silver and gold foil. Fans that were decorated with poems, paintings, and religious writings were valued as memorable gifts.
What weapons did the Japanese use in combat?
Read Later. Print. In Ancient Japan, the Samurai utilized a wide range of weaponry other than swords, bows, and spears. These weapons were used in places where swords were not allowed to be carried, for self-defense purposes, or when the use ...
What is a retainer without fan?
In fact, during the Edo period, a retainer without his fan would be incomplete and compared to a Samurai without his Daisho. (A daisho refers to the set of two Samurai swords , the katana and Wakizashi. It served as a sign that a person is a real Samurai.) Portrait of a Samurai Warrior and His War Fan.
Why did Japanese women use the Sensu?
Japanese women used the Sensu to hide impolite expressions. They also used it as a flirtation tool. An open Sensu was used to hide behaviors that were considered socially offensive. It was used to cover the mouth when chewing food or laughing.
Where did folding fans come from?
In the 17th century the folding fan, and its attendant semiotic culture, were introduced from Japan. Simpler fans were developed in China, Greece, and Egypt. East Asian (Japanese and Chinese) imports became popular in Europe. These fans are particularly well displayed in the portraits of the high-born women of the era. Queen Elizabeth I of England can be seen to carry both folding fans decorated with pom poms on their guardsticks as well as the older style rigid fan, usually decorated with feathers and jewels. These rigid style fans often hung from the skirts of ladies, but of the fans of this era it is only the more exotic folding ones which have survived. Those folding fans of the 15th century found in museums today have either leather leaves with cut out designs forming a lace-like design or a more rigid leaf with inlays of more exotic materials like mica. One of the characteristics of these fans is the rather crude bone or ivory sticks and the way the leather leaves are often slotted onto the sticks rather than glued as with later folding fans. Fans made entirely of decorated sticks without a fan 'leaf' were known as brisé fans. However, despite the relative crude methods of construction folding fans were at this era high status, exotic items on par with elaborate gloves as gifts to royalty.
What is a Filipina fan?
A Filipina in traditional attire with an abaniko folding fan (c. 1875) which played a large part in courtship etiquette in the colonial Philippines . It has been said that in the courts of England, Spain and elsewhere fans were used in a more or less secret, unspoken code of messages.
What is the purpose of a rigid hand screen fan?
Next to the folding fan, the rigid hand screen fan was also a highly decorative and desired object among the higher classes. Its purpose is different since they are more cumbersome to carry around. They were mostly used to shield a lady's face against the glare of the sun or the fire.
Why do people use folding fans?
Folding fans are often used to emphasize a point in a person's speech, rather than for express use of fanning ones self. A person might harshly snap open the fan when engaging in 'throwing shade' on (comically insulting) another person, creating a loud snapping noise that punctuates the insult. Drag dance numbers also utilise larger hand fans as a way to add flair and as a prop, used to emphasise movements in the dance.
How does a hand fan affect the body temperature?
On human skin, the airflow from handfans increases evaporation which has a cooling effect due to the latent heat of evaporation of water. It also increases heat convection by displacing the warmer air produced by body heat that surrounds the skin , which has an additional cooling effect, provided that the ambient air temperature is lower than the skin temperature – which is typically about 33 °C (91 °F). Fans are convenient to carry around, especially folding fans.
What was the purpose of screen fans?
The screen fan was mainly used inside the interior of the house. In 18th and 19th century paintings of interiors one sometimes sees one laying on a chimney mantle. They were mainly used to protect a woman's face against the glare and heat of the fire, to avoid getting "coup rose", or ruddy cheeks from the heat. But probably not in the least it served to keep the heat from spoiling the carefully applied make-up which in those days was often wax-based. Until the 20th century houses were heated by open fires in chimneys or by stoves, and the lack of insulation made many a house very draughty and cold during winter. Therefore, any social or family gathering would be in close proximity to the fireplace.
What is a handheld fan?
A handheld fan, or simply hand fan, may be any broad, flat surface that is waved back-and-forth to create an airflow. Generally, purpose-made handheld fans are folding fans, which are shaped like a sector of a circle and made of a thin material (such as paper or feathers) mounted on slats which revolve around a pivot so ...
What are paper fans made of?
An all-time favorite for special occasions, paper fans are usually cheap as they are fairly easy to make and their material can be easily sourced in a wide array of colors, so finding the one that meets both your budget and choice of color and style is quick and easy. As they are usually made of cardstock or cardboard, paper fans can very well serve your need for a cooling device up to warm summer weather, but if you think they are good for a few uses only, wait until you see our Asian paper fans, which are made from premium Japanese paper, Saa paper, or mulberry paper. They exhibit a unique paper texture, which would surely make you feel closer to nature and inspire you to keep them on a frame as an Asian souvenir or work of art.
What is a folding fan?
Folding Fans: The generic term for hand fans that fold to a slender and rectangular shape and opens to the shape of a half moon, circle, or shell. Among the popular variations of folding fans are the:
What is a cockade fan?
Cockade Fans: This type of folding fan opens to a complete circle and have thin, rectangular guardsticks that are usually made of metal with hollow interior that serves as the handle when the fan is opened and to where the fan's paper leaf, which is folded in accordion style, is hidden so that the hand fan folds to a compact design.
What is the pin that secures the guardsticks and the hand fan ribbing together?
Rivet. The metal pin that secures the guardsticks and the hand fan ribbing together.
What are lace fans?
Easily considered as a treasured collection, bridal fans, as a Spanish accessory, or a gift for a special lady because of the very fine and luxurious design of their lace fabric, lace fans may be priced higher than your average hand fans because what you pay for them is basically the intricate handwork or lacework, which you may never find anywhere else. If you are looking for lace fans that will keep you cool for a special outdoor event or while you are don in your heavy bridal dress, opt for thick-laced fans with fewer open holes as they tend to give more air over the thin-laced fans that feature a lot of open holes.
What is a straw fan?
Also known as buri fans, straw hand fans are heart-shaped fans with a weave-like surface. They are a native product of the tropical countries and handmade using the dried palm fronds of the buri. Taking cue from the hot and humid weather of the tropics, straw hand fans can be highly relied upon for a cool and gentle breeze amidst a hot summer's day. While looking delicate and bulky, straw hand fans are actually durable and handy, you can even fold them inside a roomy handbag, and they are the perfect hand fans to complete the tropical setting of your wedding or barbecue party.
What is a feather fan?
This type of hand fan is formed by a group of real or faux bird, ostrich, turkey, or goose feathers that are delicately matched and fixed on a wooden or plastic fan frame. While reminiscent of the earliest hand fans in Egypt, they are also popular in Chinese dances and imperial ceremonies to bring the inspiration of the phoenix, When used on special occasions, the inherently sophisticated design of feather fans make them standout as a statement piece, thus, they can let you rock a spectacular event with their exquisite avian-inspired design.