The folding fan (Ogi) as opposed to the much older fixed or flat fan (Uchiwa) is popularly thought to have originated in Japan around 670 A.D. made of wooden or bamboo strips threaded together and secured by a rivet or pivot.
What is a Japanese folding fan?
A Sensu or Ogi (folding fan) is an implement used to move air by hand like UchiwaUchiwaUchiwa is a traditional Japanese fan. It is often used to create a breeze to keep cool in hot weather. They are part of Japanese seasonal traditions and are often given as gifts during these times. Originally, uchiwa were made from big leaves and animal hair.https://simple.wikipedia.org › wiki › UchiwaUchiwa - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia fans, and its frame is several dozens of wooden strips tied together with thread at their ends (kaname referred to as pivot), and when used, a Sensu or Ogi is widely unfolded and waved back and forth to create a cooling airflow.
What is sensu in Japan?
The sensu or ōgi (folding fan) is an implement used to fan wind.It has been used in Japan by the nobility and monks as an accessory and a ceremonial item since the Heian period. ... During the 14th century, double-sided paper folding fans made in China were imported to Japan.
Why do Japanese use hand fans?
Japanese hand fans were originally used by the Samurai class and Japanese aristocrats. They were initially used as a form of material to write on to communicate messages, as an instructive tool to educate, a symbol of status, and even as a weapon.May 2, 2014
What does a folding fan represent?
The folding Japanese fan is very important in the culture of the Japanese society. Even though a fan is conventionally meant to provide a cool breeze during hot weather, these fans can also be seen to be associated with some traditional dance forms and other cultural aspects of Japan.Aug 7, 2015
What does a fan symbolize in Chinese?
The history of the Chinese fan dates back to over 3,000 years ago, around the Shang Dynasty (circa 1600 – 1046 BCE). ... The “feather fan” became popular among the aristocracy because it was extremely expensive to produce. Made of bird feathers, it was widely recognized as the symbol of wealth, authority, and wisdom.Jun 20, 2020
Are paper fans Japanese?
The earliest visual depiction of fans in Japan dates back to the 6th century AD, with burial tomb paintings showed drawings of fans. The folding fan was invented in Japan, with dates ranging from the 6th to 9th centuries.
Why is a fan an important to Japanese culture?
The main use of fans is to create a cooling breeze for the user, but in Japan it goes beyond the obvious. Fans were once thought to keep away evil, were used in religious ceremonies and to provide shade for royalty. Holding a fan was also considered restorative to the soul. Fans are also used as a social barometer.Sep 29, 2017
What are uchiwa fans used for?
The uchiwa fan is an indispensable item during Japanese summer. It is used not only for fanning, but also for repelling mosquitos and flies. It is also believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and have been used in various forms and for various purposes, such as in the form of gunbai fan at Shinto rituals.
What is Ogi and uchiwa?
Varieties of Japanese Fans The first is a rigid, flat wall fan or hand fan, called in Japan, uchiwa. The second type is the folding fan and is called ogi or sensu in Japan. The uchiwa Asian fan is often painted with a beautiful decoration but more often that not fulfills simple and useful functions.
What is Japanese fan called?
A folding fan is called a “sensu” or “o-gi”, while the non-folding type of fan is called an “uchiwa”. Both of these fans have Japanese calligraphy writing or beautiful patterns decorating them.Aug 7, 2015
What do Japanese fans represent?
There is various symbolism in Japan associated with fans. The fan itself is a symbol of prosperity as it spreads out when we open it, similar to that of a blooming flower or the widening of wealth.Aug 7, 2015
What is the purpose of a hand fan?
The original purpose of hand fans was to create a breeze, but they have had many other uses. Hand fans were used for protection against rain, a tray for offering or receiving refreshments, for salutations, signals, to punctuate sentences, and to hide bad teeth.