Kyo-Sensu
About Kyo-Sensu
The folding fan is a uniquely Japanese craft, and much of its production still takes place in Kyoto. Traditional techniques have been passed down through the generations, with craftsmen going through more than 80 processes to create a single fan. The fan has become popular not only as a tool to relieve the heat, but also in modern times, fused with new ideas such as aroma diffusers.
History of Kyo-Sensu
The origin of the fan is believed to be derived from the “shades” introduced from China during the Kofun period. The first Japanese original fan was created in the Heian period (794-1185), and was a “hi-ogi” fan made of strips of wooden boards joined together. In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), “paper fans” were created by attaching paper to a bamboo frame, and these were exported to China and re-imported as “Chinese fans.” The materials and designs of these fans developed internationally. Later, fans were also introduced to Europe, where Western-style fans were born, which were again reimported to Japan, where “silk fans” were produced. Throughout history, fans have evolved and are now deeply rooted in Japanese culture.