More than three thousand years ago, fans were made with bird feathers and designed to be an important characteristic of imperial pomp.
The word "fan" comes from "vannis," the Latin name for a tool used to winnow grain. According to pictorial records (discovered thus far), the earliest use of fans was around 3000 BC.
A great variety of fans have been produced in China. Sandalwood, ivory, jade, silver, and even gold have been used as materials. Palm fans were made in the Jin Dynasty (265 - 420 AD) and were widely used by the general Chinese population because they were as affordable as they were useful.
A sandalwood fan is of particular interest because its outstanding feature is the pleasing fragrance of the wood. Even in modem air-conditioned rooms, a sandalwood fan will enhance the elegance and femininity of the lady using it. Sandalwood emits a subtle fragrant odor that is as refreshing and enchanting as any expensive perfume.
Japan is generally credited with inventing the folding fan. This important innovation was superior to rigid screen fans because the fan could become smaller and was easier to handle for everyday use. The folding fan could possibly have been derived from “mokkan” – thin, small slices of wood used for writing. About two dozen mokkan could be joined at one end. When the sticks are spread apart, they form the ribs of an open fan. By the 10th century folding paper fans (called “ori) were not only in use throught Japan, they had traveled to China by way of Korea. The oldest surviving pleated Japanese fan is from the 12th century.
The fan in Japan symbolizes friendship, respect and good wishes. It is a gift that is given to people on special occasions and it is an important stage prop for Japanese dance performances. Fans were also used by the Japanese military to send signals on the field of battle. However, fans were mostly used in social and court functions. Symbolically, the fan stands for many things. The Japanese believe that the handle of the fan symbolizes the beginning of life and the radiating ribs represent the many paths of life one can take in all directions.
Eighteenth-century Georgian fans often represented the most exquisite "objets d'art" which were the perfect gift for a lady in an era which cultivated good taste, and connoisseurship of the hand-crafted object. Fans also had a particular place in the traditions of masquerade that developed across Europe in the past century, masking the faces of their owners, as part of an elaborate ritual of flirtation.
Smaller, delicate ivory and tortoise shell fans graced the Regency Period. By 1865, fans were an indispensable fashion accessory for the emergent middle class; some of the grander fans were clearly for pageantry; more modest fans displayed the perceived delights of the Industrial Age – vibrant aniline dye colors, machine lace, gaudy prints and painted leaves.
Reaching its peak in popularity by the late-17th century and most of the 18th century, the fan gained importance as an indispensable accouterment of fashionable dress, and for its unsurpassed artistic and crafted excellence. The well-dressed woman possessed a fan for every occasion and was obligated to handle it properly.
In conclusion, few art forms combine function, decorative art, communication, dance performance, and ceremonial purpose as elegantly as the fan. Our Traditional Hand Fan is a brisé fan made of fragrant sandalwood. It is ideal for demonstrating refined etiquette, practicing the "Language of Fans," or just cooling yourself. Since it is lightweight, it can be conveniently carried. And, of course, it is a must have item for the child who wants to give a "serious" make-believe tea party for friends or dolls. This fan also makes an elegant gift!
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