Tuan Shan Fan with Floral Decoration Tuan Shan Fan with Floral Decoration (1850/1950) by UnknownUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Tuan Shan fan
The oldest form of hand fan is the Chinese Tuan Shan style, which first developed during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE). These fans were initially defined by their solid, unbending handles and circular faces, which were inspired by the full moon.
Under subsequent dynasties, Tuan Shan stylings developed to include other symmetrical face shapes with a straight handle. Similar variety also developed in the decorations of these fans' faces, as seen in these two examples. On the left, embroidery renders a seated woman next to several potted flowers. On the right, a combination of traditional painting techniques and calligraphy present a bird perched on an autumnal branch.
Qing Court FanUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Qing courtly fan
This fan exemplifies the highly refined version of Tuan Shan popular among 18th-century Qing dynasty (1644-1912 CE) courtiers. Note the detailed embroidery, carved ivory handle, and delicate curving at the end of the fan.
Korean Buchae fan
Eventually, handheld fans were introduced to Korea, quickly gaining popularity among the upper class as accessories and diplomatic gifts. As shown here, these fans are often decorated with a Taegeuk, which represents balance and is a well-known symbol of Korean national identity
Japanese Uchiwa fan
Sometime during the 6th or 7th century, hand fans made their way to Japan, and by the 15th Century, had evolved into the Uchiwa style shown here. Often painted with landscape scenes, these fans are usually made with washi paper stretched over a bamboo frame skeleton.
In the 9th century, the first folding fans, known as Sensu, emerged in Japan. The blades are made from durable materials, ranging from rustic bamboo or wood to ornate ivory or black lacquer. The face is usually crafted from either paper (left) or silk (right) and often features painting or embroidery in seasonal themes. The red camellia on the left indicates late winter to early spring, while the irises and wisteria on the right suggest late spring to early summer.
Noh Sensu Fan with Floral DecorationUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Noh fan
This fan was created for Noh dance-drama performances, one of Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions. Fans are held by all cast members, and often serve as stand-ins for other handheld objects. The movement of these fans can also communicate certain actions or emotions.
One Thousand Faces Fan (Mandarin Fan)USC Pacific Asia Museum
1000 Faces fan
During the 10th century, folding fans arrived in China and immediately became highly popular. This fan is an example of the “1000 Faces” style from the Qing Dynasty, and features an extremely detailed scene on polychrome paper, supported by delicately carved ivory blades.
Empress Cixi
The figure in yellow is Empress Dowager Cixi, who effectively ruled China as regent from 1861 to 1908. Fans like these reflect the late Qing dynasty’s growing relationship with the West, as they were primarily produced for export to European markets like France and England.
Chinese Carved Folding Fan with Calligraphy Chinese Carved Folding Fan with Calligraphy (20th Century) by UnknownUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Republican-Era fan
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the end of the Chinese monarchy, fans continued to be popular. This style of fan, characterized by bold calligraphy and painted nature scenes, was especially common during the Republican period (1912-1949 CE).
Chinese Carved Folding Fan with CalligraphyUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Calligraphy and painting
To the side, a poem in Chinese calligraphy reads "The bamboo shade protects the tender shoots deep," next to a watercolor bamboo plant. The words "Summer of the Bingzi year," tells us this fan was made in the 13th year in the Chinese 60 year cycle, dating it precisely to 1936.
Soon after folding hand fans arrived in China, silk fan cases such as these emerged to offer stylish and secure storage options. The two examples shown here are from the Qing Dynasty and highlight two different styles of embroidery from the period. The left is an example of the colorful and ornate Su Xiu style, while the right follows the more minimalist and serene Gu Xiu style.
Embroidered poetry
On the other side of one such fan case, we find a poem embroidered, which reads “Where a heart for nature lies, long life resides, refined taste is nurtured, and prosperous descendants will arise.” This aligns with many of the longevity motifs featured on the opposite side.
Sensu Fan with Floral Design Sensu Fan with Floral Design (Circa 1900) by UnknownUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Western-Style fan
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese traders introduced the fan industry to countries like France and England. Although a distinct European style eventually developed, demand for imports stayed strong, especially for Japanese-made fans that reflected Western tastes and styles.
Wooden Brisé Fan Wooden Brisé Fan (20th Century) by UnknownUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Brisé fan
Along with this westernization, a new type of fan appeared, called brisé fans. These fans lack a face entirely, instead featuring longer, wider blades with intricate openwork that make up the surface, held together by a ribbon threaded through the outer edge.
Waseda Baseball Sensu Fan Waseda Baseball Sensu Fan (20th Century) by UnknownUSC Pacific Asia Museum
Waseda University baseball fan
In the 20th century, this cultural exchange can also be seen in this fan advertising Waseda baseball club. Waseda are one of Japan’s oldest college teams, originally founded in 1910.The front side features the cheerleading song, while the other displays the college anthem.
In modern times, the fan trade has extended to the United States of America. Both of these fans were originally produced in Japan, but made for American businesses as pieces of advertising. The fan on the left was made for an American trading firm selling imported Japanese Sake, while the fan on the right advertised a Japanese-style tea house in Hawaii. Both fans fuse American commercial sensibilities with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, bringing this ancient symbol into the modern day.
Funding generously provided by the Fan Association of North America
Photography by Peter Perigo
Curation and writing by Isabel Jansen-Montoya
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