Flick it, fan it, flaunt it
This article explores the history and cultural significance of hand fans, from their origins in ancient Egypt and China to their evolution in Japan and Europe. It highlights how these tools served both practical cooling purposes and ceremonial roles throughout history.
Why it matters
Provides historical context to everyday objects and their cross-cultural evolution.
At first glance, it’s just a hand fan. Just a cute little prop for a dance performance, or something you use to cool off in the blazing heat. But every flick of the wrist unfolds a hidden gem. Let us look beyond the pretty designs and uncover how hand fans were used through history.
A pukuishan, a type of Chinese fan made with palm weaving. | Photo Credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The earliest hand fans originated in Ancient China and Egypt. They were either made from feathers, silk, palm leaves, or paper. They were more rigid, and flat, (as opposed to the folding fans we see today) and were used mostly for ceremonial purposes.
Folding fans were not invented until 8th Century Japan. They were called sensu.
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