■ Uses of Folding Fans
【Practical (for cooling, as a fashion item, for grooming)】 For fanning oneself to keep coolTo carry as a fashion item
As a grooming item when wearing traditional Japanese attire or formal wear
To gently fan oneself to calm down when nervous
【Decorative/Interior/Good Luck Charm (as a display fan)】
For decorating entrance halls, living rooms, and Japanese-style rooms
For creating ambiance in shops, offices, and various facilities For seasonal decorations (New Year's, Hina Matsuri, Tanabata, etc.)
To display and appreciate in rooms or shops, enjoying not only its cooling effect but also appreciating the Ichiboku-ryu (One-stroke Dragon) design and feeling its protective blessings as a good luck charm
- Double-sided printing (double-sided mounting) of 5 types of Kyoto Ichibitsu-ryu dragon paintings for good fortune, protection, and matchmaking.
- Made by Yamaoka Hakuchikudo Co., Ltd. in Kyoto, founded in Kyoho 3 (1718).
About Yamaoka Hakuchikudo: In Kyoho 3 (1718), during the era of Tokugawa Yoshimune, the 8th shogun of the Edo Shogunate, they opened a shop for temple fans in front of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple under the trade name "Kanaya Sonbee." After the Meiji era, they began manufacturing and selling Kyo-sensu fans for general use and as gifts, and were given the trade name "Hakuchikudo" by Tetsukai Tomioka, a master of modern Japanese painting. - Material of the fan face (the part of the fan where washi paper or fabric is attached): Washi paper specifically for fans (layered paper)
- Material/color of the fan ribs (general term for the bone part of the fan): Black dyed
- Includes a black fan pouch
- Packaged in a black paper box
- Includes the signature and seal of Kyoto Ichibitsu-ryu artist Keisuke Teshima
[Specifications & Materials]
| Weight | Approx. 70g |
| Main unit size (unfolded) | Approx. 22cm (H) x 40cm (W) |
| Outer box size | Approx. 25.2cm (H) x 6cm (W) | Material | Paper / Bamboo |
*The actual finish (colors, etc.) may differ slightly from what is shown on screen (images). *Designs, wording, packaging specifications/forms, etc., are subject to change without notice. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Regarding Blessings and Benefits from Original Art and High-Definition Reproductions
~From Keisuke Tejima, Kyoto's Ichibitsu-ryu Artist~
It is my sincere belief and intention that all products, including both original artwork and high-definition reproductions, are created with prayers, and therefore there is no difference in the blessings and benefits they offer. All products offered on this website, "Shoun / Shugo / Enmusubi no Kyoto Ichibitsu-ryu," are thoroughly scrutinized and supervised to achieve the same precision as my original Ichibitsu-ryu artwork in every possible detail, striving for perfect expression and creation.
The specific reflection onto each product by the administrative office (responsible department), as well as the tailoring methods and procedures, involve using the exact original artwork I created specifically for tailoring, at its original size. Specialized techniques such as "high-precision plate-making data conversion ⇒ high-definition printing, special processing/manufacturing," etc., are applied with single-minded devotion to produce the finished pieces.
We sincerely hope that this information will be helpful and provide you with understanding and peace of mind when making your purchase or considering our products.
From Mr. Hakuchikudo Yamaoka
【Folding fans are lucky charms that "spread out toward the end"】
Folding fans have been called "suehiro" (meaning "spreading out toward the end") as a symbol of prosperity and a lucky charm that brings good fortune, due to their shape that widens at the tip when opened.
The custom of giving folding fans as a celebratory gift is still very much appreciated today.
【The meaning of giving a folding fan】
Giving a folding fan to a loved one with your heartfelt wishes. The origin of folding fans is said to be the early Heian period; although there are various theories, it is believed that they were made by writing words on wooden tags called mokkan and binding them together.
【How a folding fan is made】
It is said that a folding fan goes through approximately eighty-eight processes from cutting the bamboo to the finishing touches, and is made by the hands of many artisans.
Bone making, paper, overglaze painting, and finishing are all divided into separate tasks.
- ① Bone making
For the material, young bamboo aged 3 to 5 years is used. It is processed thinly and finely, and the outer ribs are carved and painted. They are then bundled together at the pivot point. - ② Paper
The paper for the fan face uses a three-layer structure, with the core paper sandwiched between two layers of cover paper, one on the front and one on the back.
For folding fans, the layered paper is made first, and then bamboo is inserted into the middle of this layered paper to create the fan.
This three-layered paper is then cut into the shape of the fan face. - ③ Overglaze painting
An artist applies overglaze paint to each individual piece of cut paper. - ④ Folding process
The painted paper is folded into an accordion shape.
The paper is sandwiched between two astringent-treated stencils, and creases are made one or two at a time, creating paths for the bones to be inserted in the subsequent finishing process. - ⑤ Finishing (Tsuke) process
In the final finishing process, air is blown into the creased paper where the inner ribs will pass, creating holes. Water-based glue is applied to the inner ribs, which are then inserted and adhered.
The thick bones on both sides, called outer ribs, are heated and bent inward, the paper is adhered, and the shape is adjusted to complete the fan.
This is how one Kyo-sensu (Kyoto folding fan) is made.