Antique Japan Fan - Kimono Woman Bamboo & Paper Uchiwa

Description

Old fashioned Japanese round fan (uchiwa). Traditional fans are highly collectable and one of the more delightful and practical examples of Asian crafts. Originating in China, this style of fan has long been appreciated in Japan where it has found use as an accessory of the aristocracy, a theatre prop, a tool for stoking cooking fires and of course a useful device for keeping cool on hot summer nights. The fan's broad paper surface makes an attractive canvas for art and advertising and uchiwa have long been popular with Japanese merchants wishing to circulate their company name or message. During the early to mid 20th century many high quality, hand-made fans were produced with quaint and interesting Japanese scenes printed on one side and the name of a business on the reverse. Many of the images were idealized or nostalgic scenes of everyday life or dramatic depictions of events from Japanese history and mythology. Bright, vivid colors helped to attract the eye and quality craftsmanship ensured that the fans would have a long service life. Making the fans requires the skills of one or more expert craftsmen who begin by carefully and painstakingly splitting a length of bamboo into dozens of thin tines which are then spread out to receive a decorated cover of traditional washi paper on either side. Numerous fan design variations exist with many traditional makers producing fan bodies which reflect a family style handed down from one generation to the next. Uchiwa are still popular with contemporary Japanese merchants though modern versions are invariably simple, mass produced plastic with none of the charm or character of the old wood and paper fans.

About the Listed Item

This lovely old fan dates from the early to mid Showa period (1926-1989) and includes a natural bamboo handle and thinly split bamboo tines covered with Japanese paper. The fan is in poor condition and the paper is frayed with some small tears and wrinkles. The uchiwa is also a bit dusty and wears a darkened patina of age. Due to its age and condition we recommend this fan as a display item only.

Important note:
Please be sure to review the shipping charge for this item. Though the fan is lightweight its size, shape and fragile nature necessitate a large box for adequate protection and this impacts the final weight and shipping costs.

Size:
Height (including handle): 13.8 inches (35.5 centimeters)
Width (across widest point): 8.2 inches (21.0 centimeters)
Weight: 0.6 ounces (16 grams)

item code: R4S3B3-0005656
ship code: shikishihako G6 or appropriate

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Antique
• Japan
• Fan
• Kimono
• Woman
• Bamboo
• Paper
• Uchiwa
• Japanese
• Tokaido
• Softypapa