Japanese Hand Fans – Sensu & Painted Fans from Japan and China ⁽¹⁶⁾

Sensu, fan painting and ceremonial objects – Japanese and Chinese craft

The collection covers fans for different uses – as a practical accessory on warm days, as a decorative object or for cultural occasions.

• Sensu – the Japanese folding fan – The classic model with a bamboo frame and washi paper leaf. Light, foldable into a compact form and available in a wide range of motifs: cherry blossoms, cranes, waves, bamboo and calligraphy. Each motif carries its own meaning within Japanese visual culture.
• Fabric-covered fans – Versions in silk or fine textile, softer in the hand and often bearing more elaborate paintings or embroidery. Particularly suited to decoration or special occasions.
• Chinese folding fans – A complement from the Chinese tradition, with a similar bamboo frame and characteristic landscape and calligraphy motifs. Especially popular as decorative wall objects.
• Ceremonial use – In Japan, the Sensu remains an integral part of Noh theatre, classical dance forms and the tea ceremony. Opening and closing a fan there follows precise gestures that express respect and attentiveness.