When one thinks of Japanese summer, folding fans, or “sensu,” are an indispensable part of the picture. These fans, which can be folded and expanded, are a traditional craft that combines practicality and beauty. However, many people may not be familiar with the origins and history of folding fans or the meaning behind their name. In this article, we’ll explore the birthplace of folding fans, how they spread, and their development in Japan.
The Origins of Folding Fans
The origins of folding fans can be traced back to ancient China. In China, fans made of feathers or bamboo were used as early as the 2nd century BCE. It is believed that the prototype of the folding fan was created by adding ribs to these round fans and making them foldable. Around the 6th century, folding fans were introduced to Japan via the Korean Peninsula.
In Japan, folding fans brought from China were used in ceremonies and dances at the imperial court during the Asuka period (592-710 AD). During the Heian period (794-1185 AD), folding fans gained popularity among the nobility and began to appear in classical literature such as “The Pillow Book” and “The Tale of Genji.”
The Meaning Behind the Name “Sensu”
The Japanese term “sensu” consists of two parts: “sen” (扇), meaning “fan” or “to fan,” and “su” (子), meaning “small” or “adorable.” Together, “sensu” translates to “a small, adorable object that creates a breeze,” aptly describing the characteristics of a folding fan.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), folding fans were also known by specific names based on their materials or purposes, such as “kamisensu” (paper fans) or “esensu” (picture fans).
The Development of Folding Fans in Japan
From the Heian period onward, folding fans underwent a unique evolution in Japan. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), folding fans spread among the samurai class, who used them for signaling and intimidation. In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), fan artisans in Kyoto honed their skills and began creating luxurious fans adorned with intricate decorations such as mother-of-pearl inlays and gold lacquer.
In the Edo period, folding fans became widely used by the general public and even became a subject in ukiyo-e prints and haiku poetry. Artisans’ techniques improved, and a variety of designs and materials were used to create fans. Famous fan-producing regions, such as Kyoto, Marugame, and Takayama, were established and continue to thrive today.
The Popularization of Folding Fans
One notable figure who contributed to the popularization of folding fans is Eiichi Shibusawa, an industrialist during the Edo period. In 1873, Shibusawa established the “Iba Jinshoten,” a fan wholesaler in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. He devoted himself to the mass production and sale of folding fans and even exported them overseas, playing a significant role in promoting Japanese fan culture to the world.
From the Meiji period (1868-1912) onward, folding fans gained popularity as souvenirs for foreign visitors and have since become an iconic symbol of Japanese culture.
Conclusion
Folding fans, or “sensu,” originated in ancient China and underwent a unique evolution after being introduced to Japan. Embraced by aristocratic culture during the Heian period, folding fans gained widespread popularity among the general public during the Edo period. The name “sensu” encapsulates the idea of a small tool that creates a breeze. Thanks to the efforts of individuals like Eiichi Shibusawa, folding fans spread both domestically and internationally, becoming an integral part of Japanese culture. This summer, why not pick up a beautiful folding fan and experience the essence of Japanese tradition for yourself?
