Folding fan

扇子 sensu

Folding fan

The fan opens wider from its pivot (suehirogari 末広がり, "spreading towards the end"), so it stands for prosperity that grows over time; a classic gift and celebration motif.

Heian period (9th century), Japan

The folding fan is a Japanese invention of the early Heian period. The first ones (hiōgi) were made of thin wooden slips tied together, used by courtiers for notes and etiquette, then painted and taken up by court women. Paper-on-bamboo fans followed, and Japanese folding fans were even presented to the Chinese emperor in 988. Fans became props in Noh, tea ceremony and dance. The shape, opening out from the pivot (suehirogari), is considered lucky.

Kyoto, Nagoya and Edo (Tokyo) styles are still made; fans are given at weddings and celebrations, and one is a stock prop in rakugo.

Technique catalog · draft for review

Every way to wrap, carry and wear a furoshiki.

The furoshiki.com archive, sliced into annotated steps with plain directions, plus techniques found in research.