Awaseji, Kyō-sensu

The paper for the fan surface is prepared. In the case of a summer fan, 3 sheets of paper are used, while 5-7 washi paper are required for a dance fan. The sheets of paper are joined using glue. A thin sheet of washi paper called shingami (core paper) is flanked by a front and back sheet of paper called hishi (shell paper). Once the glued sheets are dry, a mould is placed over the paper to cut out the shape for the fan.