Asian Delights continue to mystify collectors even today: Are you a fan?

Asian Delights continue to mystify collectors even today: Are you a fan?

The Japanese folding fan, or commonly known as sensu in Japanese, is presently a mainly decorative item that is highly prized for its reflection of Japanese art and tradition. Originating in roughly the sixth century, the sensu were used by aristocrats throughout the Heian period, and they were a sign of prestige and wealth.

These folding fans were crafted by skillful hands, with paper attached to ribbed frames made of bamboo. For rarer and more exquisite fans, the bamboo frames were replaced with ivory ribs, and instead of paper, a beautiful silk surface was attached. In traditional times, these fans were an indication of status and rank; the number of ribs depicted one’s rank, and they ranged from three to up to eighty ribs, the latter showing one of high position.

Artists would decorate the paper or silk surfaces with beautiful paintings of famous people, animals, and sceneries, while others have inscribed lines of poetry with calligraphy. These are often carefully done in ink, and because of their unique craftsmanship, are considered unique and one of a kind.

Since then, there have been many adaptations and modifications of the sensu, with the Chinese modeling their own versions of the folding fan, as well as the Europeans, after their contact with the Japanese. Some of the folding fans had colorful peacock feathers attached, and these were associated with Japanese samurais.

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Many of the antique folding fans are delicate, having been used and sometimes worn; it is rare to find one that is still in good to perfect condition. Today, the sensu fan is still being produced in Japan, ranging in various sizes, and are often are collected for decoration or display. Many stores in Japan are dedicated exclusively to the sale of the Japanese folding fan, and they are popular among tourists.

Today, in traditional dances and tea ceremonies, the sensu fan is commonly displayed, while many formal courts and events also feature the use of the folding fan. The Japanese folding fan is also a common wedding gift, as an indication of prestigious art and tradition, and some are worth very high values if they are decorated by the work of famous artists.

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