Folding fans

Folding fan (扇子)

Japanese fans are the summer accessories par excellence. There are two types: Uchiwa and Sensu.Uchiwa is the oldest of the two. Originally from China, it was introduced to the Japanese court in the 6th century. It soon became one of the accessories most loved by ladies and nobles and a further sign of distinction from the people. The meticulous decoration was inspired by nature: cranes, butterflies, crickets, dragonflies, nightingales, bamboo canes, cherry branches, peonies. Sensu is the folding version, modern and easy to carry. It appears in the Heian period (794-1185) and is constructed from bamboo sticks and Washi paper.For women, they are decorated with delicate depictions of sakura petals, flowers and butterflies.For men, however, drawings of animals, plants, carp, bamboo and Mount Fuji (Fujisan for the Japanese).They are produced in paper, silk or synthetic fabric, with bamboo wood slats.