| Chinese Fans |
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No one knows exactly how fans in China were invented. The invention
or rather the discovery of the fanning function could have been
as accidental as follows: a primitive man irritated with lots of
flies and mosquitoes, picks up a big leaf off a plant next to him
to drive the pests away. To his delight, his effort resulted in
cooling air movements.
Before long, fans acquired ceremonial significance. More than
3,000 years ago, fans were made with bird's feathers and were
an outstnading characteristic in imperial pomp. They lent infinite
gracefulness and charm to court dancers, who achieved the appearance
of heavenly phoenixes.
Along with the progress made in agriculture in the Han and Tang
Dynasties, an ample supply of clothing material resulted. Silk
and satin fans appeared and it became a fashion among scholars
and artists to show their genius by writing and painting on fan
surfaces. Fans soon acquired considerable social significance
and became a part of the standard summer costume among the elite
and the learned.
Tradition has it, folded fans were introduced to China from Japan
and Korea about 1,000 years ago. They were usually made with fine
paper mounted on bamboo. The scholars found it interesting to
paint their poetic and artistic expressions on the surface.
A great variety of fans have been produced in China; sandalwood,
ivory, even gold, silver and jade have been used as material.
Of particular interest is the sandalwood fan. Its most outstanding
characteristic is the pleasant, fragrant scent that comes from
the wood. Even in modern air-conditioned environment, it will
certainly enhance the elegance and femininity of the lady holding
it gracefully in her hand. It emits subtle fragrance which is
as enchanting and refreshing as any expensive perfume.
Palm fans were made in the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD) and have
been widely used by the Chinese people. They are very useful and
welcomed by people of less expensive taste.
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