Handle, Uchiwa Fans from Kyoto　

Paper and silk are combined and pasted onto the base where the handle is to be inserted. This step is called mototsuke and its purpose is both to decorate the fan and to reinforce this part of the fan. After excess areas are cut off along the edge of the fan to the desired shape (narimawashi step), thin mitsumata washi paper is then pasted along the edge to ensure the paper on both sides does not peel open. This step is called heritori. Glue made from glutinous rice flour is applied to one end of the handle which is then inserted into the fan. The material used for the handle ranges from bamboo, cedar, and Japanese hemlock to many other types of plants.