A group of Chinese women with fans by photographer Afong Lai (circa 1880).
But the traditional Chinese folding fan is not just a tool for cooling down.
It’s an important part of the Chinese culture that has over 3,000 years of history.
A group of Chinese women with fans by photographer Afong Lai (circa 1880). Photo:Wikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 2.0)
Read on to learn the history of this handy equipment.
History of Chinese Fans
A Chinese feather fan.
NamedShanhan, one of the earliest known fans wasnt like the hand-held ones we still see today.
A Chinese feather fan. Photo:Wikimedia Commons(CC0 1.0)
However, the Shanhan soon evolved into a long-handled fan called theZhangshan.
The feather fan became popular among the aristocracy because it was extremely expensive to produce.
Made of bird feathers, it was widely recognized as the symbol of wealth, authority, and wisdom.
A circular silk fan with calligraphy, painting, and a lacquered handle. Photo:Wikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 3.0)
A circular silk fan with calligraphy, painting, and a lacquered handle.
The popularity of these fans continued until the Song Dynasty (960 1279 CE).
Yet, around the same time, a new pop in of silk fan was also introduced.
Panels of a painted folding fan. Photo:Wikimedia Commons(CC0 1.0)
The ribs of these silk round fans were traditionally made from bamboo or animal bones.
Craftsmanship Behind Folding Fans
Panels of a painted folding fan.
Composed of panels and ribs, folding fans are designed to rotate around the rivet at the head.
“Square Relief” fan by Zheng Meisheng, Honolulu Museum of Art. Photo:Wikimedia Commons(CC0 1.0)
The panels of the folding fan were typically made from paper, silk, or other fabrics.
Fan Painting Symbolism
Square Relief fan by Zheng Meisheng, Honolulu Museum of Art.
Fans decorated with paintings and calligraphy became known as scholars fans and often reflected a persons status.
A folding fan made from gold paper. Photo:Wikimedia Commons(CC0 1.0)
Artwork featuring birds and flowers symbolized beauty and gracefulness, making them a popular subject among young women.
Scholars, however, preferred fans adorned with the calligraphy of ancient stories that depicted wisdom and knowledge.
Mythical creatures were also popular choicesdragons were frequently painted onto mens fans while ladies typically preferred phoenixes.
Chinese Fans Today
A folding fan made from gold paper.
