Japanese
Fans
Ogi and Uchiwa: Folding and Flat Fans from the Edo to Showa Period
Masterpieces
of Japanese Fans from the Edo time to modern
times
We offer you on three outline pages and more
than 60
main pages a selection of fine Japanese fans, devided
up into the following subjects:
Page
1 with Flat Fans - Uchiwa - Part 1
Page
2 with Flat Fans - Uchiwa - Part 2
Page
3 with Folding Fans - Ogi or Sensu - Part 1
Page
4 with Folding Fans - Ogi or Sensu - Part 2
All offered fans are unique objects and original
items
from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho or Showa period,
as described in the main parts, which you can
reach over the outline pages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Fans are an
important feature of Japanese culture, for they are more than just cooling
devices of wealthy ladies. Used by men and women alike, they have a place in
every event in the life of Japan. Indeed, the folding fan symbolizes life
itself.
There are
two basic forms used in Japan:
1) Flat fan (uchiwa)
The first fans are believed to have been brought from China via Korea to Japan during
the time of prince Shτtoku Taishi (572-622). These fans were flat and consisted of a circular
frame over which paper or silk was stretched.
2) Folding fan (sensu or ogi)
A Japanese invention, which was first used at the imperial court from the 11th
century onwards. Over the centuries, the folding fan has evolved into a
multitude of styles, shapes, sizes and uses. Two basic forms can be
distinguished:
a) The brisι fan is made of single slats, pivoting on a rivet at the butt. The
fanning ends of the slats are joined by threads.
b) The folding paper fan has leaves of pleated paper mounted at the upper half
of the slats.
The slats are made of different materials as cypress-wood, bamboo, ivory and
others.
There is a
wide field of general use and purposes of fans in the cultural life of Japan:
The court
fan (hiogi) was primarily a symbol of rank and status. The war fans (gunbai
uchiwa) were carried by generals in the field both as insignia of rank and as
signalling implements. The folding paper fan was carried on all formal,
ceremonial and auspicious occasions, at weddings and funerals, tea ceremonies
and flower blossom viewings. A gift of fans was a necessary sign of goodwill
when visiting or receiving guests and fans were used as promotional gifts as
well. Actors of the kabuki and noh theatre have their own fans and there are
special fans, used in traditional Japanese dance (maiogi).
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