Kyō-sensu — Folding Fans from Kyoto

The folding fan was invented in Japan around the 9th century. The first shape was that of the hiōgi fan, and before long the kawahoriōgi made by pasting paper onto one side of the ribs was born. Japanese folding fans were exported to mainland China in the 10th century and were known as wasen in China. During the 14th century, double-sided paper folding fans made in China were imported to Japan. These were called tōsen and from which three types were further created: the suehiro (chūkei) ceremonial folding fan, the bonbori fan, and the shizumeori fan.

During the Meiji period Japan’s participation in the World Expositions pave way for the exportation of Japanese folding fans to the West, before also being exported to Central and South America and the rest of the world. Folding fans designed for women with vibrant colours and gorgeous decorations became popular. The depression of the first half of the 20th century turned these exportation folding fans towards domestic consumption, allowing for the development of the mainstream paper folding fans we see today.

The first step is the making of the fan ribs. Bamboo strips with impurities removed are thinning cut to the desired width and length, then shaved to even thickness to create the basic frame. Me’ana holes for linking the ribs are drilled using a special tool called maigiri.

A rivet heated in a hibachi (Japanese brazier) is then used to put in the kaname (pivot) that bundles the ribs together. In the past whale whiskers were used to pass through the pivot holes, today other materials such as plastic are used. After this the nakabone or ribs to go inside the surface paper are thinly shaved.

Decorative designs are painted on the surface of the fan. In the case of uwae (dyed or printed figures), the paint is first mixed with glue before being applied onto the paper. Painting is done by paying attention to where the paper will be folded to avoid the final picture from looking distorted. Apart from painting by hand, other techniques such as using a stencil or woodblocks are also employed. Finally, Gold foil or dust are applied to give the fan a splendid finish.

Holes are opened in the layered paper for inserting the ribs. The core paper is separated into two layers using a bamboo spatula at each folding to make an opening for the insertion of the ribs. Once the openings in correspondence to the number of ribs required are made, clappers are used to adjust the shape and a large blade is then used to cut the fan down to the right size.

After the folded paper with ribs inserted is adequately dry, clappers are used to adjust the shape. Next, a step called oyagiri to cut the side guards for length adjustment. The fan is then placed between a vice overnight to make sure the paper is securely attached to the ribs. The side guards are warmed using fire so they can be bent inward. This step called oyatame allows the fan to close easily and with the characteristic snapping sound. Finally, the folding fan is finished by adhering the side guards and let to dry.