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Origin of Chinese Fans
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Traditions are highly regarded by Chinese. They find values in simple things they use, things they find in their environment like leaves and bird’s feather. This Chinese attitude towards nature can be traced back in the rich history of Chinese civilization which is discernible up to the present period. Chinese civilization has provided the world with significant values, traditions, arts, and customs in all aspect of the word: society.
The Origin
One of the customs that China instigated (and they should really get credited with this one) is the making of a common fan into an artistic fan. And if we are to map out the origin of Chinese fans, which are gaining popularity in the art world, King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty in 11th Century B.C. is the “blame.” He was just so smart to come up with such ingenious concept, the invention of a fan that can give an individual a crafted waft.
Every authentic concept gives rise to an original idea, in this case a fan. Historians have interpreted that hand-held Chinese fans originated from the existence of ancient Chinese umbrellas which were attached at the top of carriages utilized in the course of Shang Dynasty in 1600 to 1100 B.C. In fact, a 2,300 years old Chinese hand-held fan, considered to be the oldest Chinese fan, was found in Hubei province in 1982. The founded artifact is believed to exist during the Warring States period.
The theory that Chinese fans already existed more than 3,000 years ago is supported by the records found, wherein these fans were used in significant ceremonies like court dancing. Fans back then were made of raw materials like bird’s feather that were characterized as imperial ceremonial splendor. As part of Chinese’s customs, court dancers used these fans called “imperial pomp” which added gracefulness and charm as they performed in front of Chinese officials.
The Evolution
Chinese fans evolved further the sphere of conventionalism because it was incorporated with profound views of Chinese traditions which can be seen in their works of art like painting and calligraphy. The association of Chinese fans with Chinese decorations has reached our time hence; we see Chinese fan artifacts in many collector’s items. Modern Chinese fans resemble ancient fans through materials being used such as: palm tree leaves, bamboo, and paper.
Rare and remarkable materials are also used which include bone, feathers, carve lacquer ware, ivory, and silk. More so, fans become aesthetically valuable if precious material like mother-of-pearl is used as a material. Or when fans are being decorated with art or calligraphy characters conveying Chinese proverbs they are considered more precious.
As Chinese fans become more popular, it has also gained its place in the market. Commercialized Chinese fans are being patronized by customers who look at fans not as a tool for fanning or cooling oneself but as an emblem of China’s extraordinary legacy the world has seen. Gone were the days of Kings, emperors, the Nine Ministers, and dynasties. However, the shadows of their past continue to influence the present way of life.
Various Fan Making Materials
The history of fan making can be traced back in ancient times when the simplest materials like leaves, flat objects, and feathers were utilized in waving to produce a breezy and chilly atmosphere. Fans which are seen in ceremonial affairs were used as sartorial accessories which until now exist.
Technically there are four key categories of hand-held fans based on the materials being used and these are: (1) the feather fan, (2) folding fan, (3) silk fan, and (4) Chinese-palm-leaf fan. The feathers in feather fan are from eagles, magpies, kingfishers, cranes, and peacocks. The most celebrated feather fan was during the Song Dynasty in China where 156 peacock feathers fans were designed as double dragons and phoenixes.
The folding fans are very recognizable in China as well and these Chinese fans were even made of ivory, mottled bamboo, and carved figures of flowers, landscape, and even rhyming verses and odes. On the other hand, the silk fan which is oftentimes framed with iron and bamboo slips were also decorated with drawings and paintings. These kinds of fans were adored by ladies and the royal court.
Finally, the Chinese-palm-leaf fan is the cheapest and simplest of them all. The leaves which are the main materials for this kind of fan is complicated to form though since the leaves as materials are very delicate and prone to breakage, hence proper care is very much needed
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