The summer is getting hotter every year. It’s hard to go outside and enjoy the day without running the risk of heat strokes. Yet we still want to enjoy the sunny day as much as we can.
In Japan, there is a sustainable and elegant solution to this problem. Folding fans, called sensu, have been a part of Japanese culture for more than 1000 years. Compact and lightweight, they are the perfect item to slip in our bag when we go out.
In this article, you can discover everything you need to know about Japanese holding fans.
Folding Fans Are Natural and Sustainable
There are so many solutions to cool down the body when the temperature is so high. The air-conditionings and the ventilators come to mind, but they are not portable. We can find portable, electric ventilators that you can buy in stores, but they are made of plastic and not always good quality. They also require electricity to work.
Folding fans, on the other hand, can be folded approximately 2.5 cm wide and can fit perfectly in your purse. It is usually made of bamboo and paper or cloth, therefore plastic free. On top of that, it needs no electricity to bring you the wind anywhere you want!
They come in so many colors and patterns. You can use it to match your clothes or to use them as a part of fashion.
History of Folding Fans in Japan
Folding fans, sensu, have been part of Japanese culture since the Heian period (from 794-1185), after being imported from China. They were initially used as something to write notes on, a practical way to bring notes during ceremonies.
They developed and changed their form through time. Beautiful patterns and pictures are drawn on them and noble people start to use them as a fashion item. Women used them to hide their faces. They were also important crops in Japanese theater such as Noh and Kabuki. They were also used by army generals when leading their army. They were the sign of leadership and status.
During the Sengoku period (1467-1615), Portuguese people arrived in Japan and exported folding fans to Europe. European style folding fans were made of silk, which were imported back to Japan.
Even though the form and the purpose change throughout time, they are still part of Japanese culture.
Types of Folding Fans
When you purchase folding fans in Japan, you should know that there are ones that are for decorative purposes only and there are ones that are for daily use.
Natsu Sensu (Summer Fans)
If you are looking for folding fans to use in summer, choose “natsu sensu.” They are made of paper or cloth. They usually feature seasonal flowers and animals on them.
Kazari Sensu (Decorative Fans)
Decorative fans are meant to be displayed at home, usually at the entrance or at the tokonoma alcove. The houses didn’t have much light in the evening in old times, they usually have gold color to give light to the house.
Mai Sensu (Dancing Fans)
Dancing fans have beautiful gold and silver colors so that they are visible on a stage during Nihon buyou (Japanese classical dance). Folding fans usually have patterns and pictures only on one side, however, dancing fans have the same patterns on both sides, so that they look beautiful while moving it around during the dance.
Best Folding Fans
Kyo Yugen Sensu Folding Fan
Kyo Yugen is a traditional dying technique developed in Kyoto. This sensu folding fan features beautiful pattern hand-printed carefully by hand on Japanese washi paper. The size and the style is suited for both men and women.
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Beautiful Flower Sensu Folding Fan with Case
These beautiful sensu folding fans features flowers on the gradient color background. Light colors look elegant during summer or on formal occasions. They are suited for women. They come a with holding bag, so great for gifts as well.
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Durable Cloth Folding Fan
This cloth folding fan is made of cotton dyed with Awa natural indigo, a famous traditional indigo dyeing technique from Tokushima Prefecture. The cloth folding fan is more durable than paper fan, perfect for those who want to use it often.
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Beautiful Transparent Silk Folding Fans
These folding fans are made of elegant silk with gold or silver beautiful patterns. The transparent silk looks light and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days. They come with a holding bag and a gift box.
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Simple and Durable Mens Folding Fans
These uni-color folding fans are made of paper coated with persimmon tannin, which is an ancient water-proof and antibacterial technique. Measuring approx. 24cm, these large fans are suited for men.
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How to Correctly Use Folding Fans
Unless you are in a formal situation, you can use folding fans as you please. However, there are few things to keep in mind when using them so that you look elegant using them.
Open and Close it Slowly and Carefully
Hold the fan with both hands, the main frame facing up. Gently press the main frame with your left thumb to open it slowly. Always hold the wooden part of the fan. Not only does the gesture look elegant, it will prevent damaging the fan. The same thing goes when you close it. Hold the fan with both hands and close the holds slowly from the end.
Do Not Open the Fan Completely
It is not wrong to open the fan completely, but it looks more elegant if you keep 1 to 3 folds closed at the end. There is a saying in Japan that “When the moon is full, it will wane.” It means that once something is complete, there is no other direction than to lose. By not opening the fan completely, you can keep your good fortune without losing it.
Be Careful Not to Send the Wind to People Around You
When you use your fan in a public space, like in a crowded train, be careful not to bother other people with your wind. Gently wave the fan under your face, so that people won’t be bothered.
Keep it in a Folding Fan Bag
When you carry your fan, it’s better to keep it in a folding fan bag. It will prevent your fan from getting wet and damaged.
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Cool Down Your Summer with Beautiful Folding Fans!
As the summer gets hotter every year, it is nice to have a sustainable option for cooling your body. Japanese folding fans are a useful item that fits easily in your purse. It is also beautiful and fashionable. I hope they will make your summer more enjoyable!
