Fans have been present in China for over 3,000 years, tracing back to ancient times. Originally used as simple tools for shielding the face, providing shade, or creating a breeze, fans gradually evolved into elegant works of art as poets, calligraphers, and painters began decorating them with poetry, calligraphy, and paintings during different dynasties.
In ancient times, fans were also known as “Yao Feng” (meaning “gentle breeze”) and “Liang You” (meaning “cool companion”), reflecting their primary function of providing a refreshing breeze to cool the body.
The Cultural Significance of Fans
During the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC – 9 AD) and the Wei and Jin Dynasties (220 AD), round fans symbolized reunion and harmony. Young women, known for their gentle and delicate nature, often favored round fans. These fans were not only practical but also served as fashion accessories and symbols of pure love.
In the era of the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang was famously depicted with a feather fan, said to have been a gift from his wife. He carried it everywhere as a symbol of her love and as a reminder to remain calm and composed. As a result, the feather fan became a symbol of wisdom and strategy in later generations.
Fans as an Art Form
Fans are not only practical tools but also artistic objects. Ancient Chinese craftsmen had a tradition of turning everyday items into decorative art pieces. Fan handles were intricately carved, and fan surfaces were adorned with poetry and paintings, reflecting the user’s aesthetic taste and adding a sense of beauty and joy.
Initially, ordinary craftsmen created these fan designs, but as time passed, famous artists began contributing, transforming fans from simple functional items into highly valued works of art.
Famous Types of Traditional Chinese Fans
Feather Fans
Feather fans were made with handles crafted from materials such as bamboo, wood, or sometimes more luxurious materials like ivory, jade, or animal bones. The ends of the handles were often adorned with silk tassels or jade pendants for added elegance. Peacock feathers, goose feathers, and pheasant feathers were commonly used for their aesthetic appeal and symbolic significance.
Creating a feather fan was a meticulous process, involving steps like collecting, washing, combing, trimming, and dyeing the feathers. Feather fans were not only decorative but were also used in religious ceremonies and as symbols of status in ancient China.
Folding Paper Fans
Perhaps the most popular type of fan, folding paper fans were widely used and appreciated. High-quality paper was carefully selected, and the fan ribs were made from thin, long pieces of wood, often intricately carved and decorated with lacquer, gold, silver, or mother-of-pearl inlays.
The fan surface was painted or inscribed with poetry, calligraphy, and detailed paintings of landscapes, birds, or flowers. During the Qing Dynasty, folding paper fans reached their peak in artistic value.
Ivory Fans
Ivory fans, crafted from elephant tusks, were highly valued. Before carving, artisans soaked the ivory in vinegar to soften it, making it easier to carve intricate designs. By the Qing Dynasty, ivory fans became more elaborate, with both the ribs and the surface made entirely of ivory, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Sandalwood Fans
Sandalwood fans were made from the precious and fragrant sandalwood, known for its long-lasting aroma. Craftsmen carefully selected white sandalwood for light-colored fans or purple sandalwood for darker tones. These fans not only provided a refreshing breeze but also emitted a gentle, soothing fragrance that could last for decades, making them highly sought after.
Silk Fans
Silk fans have a history of over 400 years. Made from fine silk or satin, they were favored for their elegant and soft appearance. Round silk fans first became popular during the Song Dynasty, later evolving into various shapes such as oval or floral designs. The handles were often made from bone, ivory, or bamboo, and decorated with intricately carved jade ornaments.
Creating a silk fan involved three main steps: painting the design, weaving the silk, and embroidering if needed. The weaving technique, known as “Kesi,” was reserved for high-quality fans due to its complexity and the delicate nature of the material. This technique required extreme precision, with only 2-3 cm of silk being woven each day, often taking several months to complete a single fan.
Fans in Global Trade
Chinese fans became highly valued trade goods along the Silk Road. In the early 16th century, Portuguese ships opened trade routes between China and Europe, leading to a fascination with Chinese art and culture. Chinese fans, especially feather and silk fans, became luxury items in Europe.
Over time, to meet Western aesthetic preferences, Chinese artisans adapted their designs, blending Eastern and Western styles to create unique and highly decorative fans that amazed the world.
Conclusion
From simple cooling tools to refined works of art, fans have played a significant role in Chinese culture and history. Their transformation from practical items to artistic masterpieces showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. Today, these fans remain a testament to the elegance and artistic heritage of China, cherished by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.
