However, in Asian culture the concept of the fan is steeped in rich history.
The history of the fan is ancient, literally!
In ancient Japan, they were first used as symbols to indicate peoples rank in society.
They were also used as weapons and a place to write messages.
There are many different versions and we shall be exploring two today.
TheSensuwas thought to be created by accident in the Japanese Court in the 6-9th century.
Japan then repays China the favor and introduces them to this new bang out of fan.
Sharing is caring after all!
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.
Traditionally they were made from bamboo and paper.
With the passage of time, these rigid fans were replaced with the folding fan.
Before the Sensu was invented, there was the Ogi (invented approximately in 670AD).
As paper was extremely expensive to make, scribes often wrote on slates of wood.
They tended to be heavy though and not easy to carry.
There is no one confirmed account of who created them, but a few challengers.
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.
From 15th-century centers of production all over Japan with professional fan painters and makers were being established.
By the 15th century folding fans were being exported out of Japan in huge numbers.
Carried along the Silk Road, exports reached Europe and gained momentum.
And so the evolution of the fan continues both in Japan and beyond.
The first is thetessen,the second gunpai, and the third gunsen.
Tessena 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.
Gunpai large open fan in the image of an open folding fan, made of heavy metal.
Fan and sword dancing
The Samurai were Japanese warriors that fought with swords.
In the Heian period (794-1185), sword dances began to emerge.
Sakakibara Kenkichi created a company in 1872 to support just this.
By 1950s this ban was lifted and some now combine both styles to create a sword and fan dance.
So there you have it.
Art History really can be fun.
We have learned about a culture perhaps that is different to our own.
Or perhaps not, depending on your location!
We hope you have learned something new and that enjoy taking part in the related crafts.
Hopefully, it is the first of our Mini Art Explorer adventures together!
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