What is the difference between a fan, a folding fan, and an uchiwa fan? History of each and 6 recommended products

Fans and uchiwa fans are familiar to us all. They are all known as tools used to create a breeze by fanning with one's hands, but what exactly are the differences between them? This article explains the differences and history of fans, folding fans, and uchiwa fans. In addition, Ibasen, a long-established company, recommends fans, folding fans, and uchiwa fans.6Ibasen's recommended fans, folding fans, and uchiwa fans. If you are planning to buy a fan or an uchiwa fan, please keep in mind the differences in their characteristics.

Difference between a fan, a folding fan, and an uchiwa fan

First, we will explain the difference between a fan (ougi) and a fan (sensu), and between a fan and an uchiwa (fan). Let's also keep in mind the changes that have occurred in the language over its long history.

Difference between a fan and a sensu

Today, the words "fan" and "folding fanare commonly used to mean almost the same thing. However, the word "fan" used to refer to any tool that could be held in the hand to create a breeze. The difference is that the word "fan," on the other hand, referred to a fan that could be folded and carried around.

Difference between a fan and an uchiwa fan

Like the fan, the term "fan" was once used to refer to "round fanwas also a tool to create wind by fanning, and was included in the fan category. Nowadays, however, uchiwa fans are used differently from fans. Today, a fan is a circular piece of Japanese paper or cloth attached to a bamboo frame. Unlike fans and folding fans, uchiwa fans cannot be folded.

History of fans, folding fans, and uchiwa fans

How did fans, folding fans, and uchiwa fans come into being and how did they come to be what they are today? We will tell you the history of these tools that have been used traditionally in Japan.

History of Fans and Fans

Foldable tools such as fans and folding fans are said to have originated in Japan in the early Heian period (794-1185). The first one was called a "hinoki fan" and was made of wood. Hinoki fans were made of wood and bound with a hole punched in the end of a wooden letter, and mainly served as a notepad for men to write down the manners and etiquette of the court. Gradually, hinoki fans came to be decorated with gorgeous colors and pictures, and eventually became popular among the women of the court. The hinoki fans held by women were called "Ano-no-Ougi (衵扇)," and were also favored as ornaments.

Later, the "kawahori-ogi," a paper fan with a bamboo frame and paper attached to one side, appeared. It is not certain when the bat fan was born, but it is similar in shape to modern fans and folding fans. The bat fan was exported to China, where it was transformed into a fan with paper pasted on both sides, and reimported to Japan, where it became widespread. It is believed that this is how modern fans and folding fans were created.

History of Fans

The uchiwa has a longer history than fans and folding fans. There are records of the use of fans in ancient China and Egypt. The tool used in China at that time was called "shades" and was shaped like a fan with a long handle. It was used by people of high rank as a symbol of authority. It seems that shades were used to hide the body and keep cool. Later, shades were introduced to Japan and have been excavated from remains from the Kofun period.

 

Recommended fans and fans,round fan

Finally, we would like to introduce some recommended fans, folding fans, and uchiwa fans. Modern items come in a wide variety of designs and types, and many people use them in their daily lives and hobbies. Please take a look at our selection.

Recommended Fans andfolding fan

Fans and folding fans are compact and easy to carry. They also make the person using them look elegant when cooling off. They are also recommended for those who want to enjoy coordinating them with a kimono.

Edofolding fan No.15 Bakku go (go well)

This is an auspicious fan with a motif of nine horses. The character means "all will go well" or "everything will go well" in Chinese characters. The nine horses represent the nine fortunes of victory, money, success in life, family, love, health, prosperity in business, a good catch and a good harvest, and success in entrance examinations. All of the horses face left, which means "there is nothing to the right," and is also meant to increase one's luck in the game.

Shikebiki fanDouble-sided Pattern Purple [Reprinted in Japanese Gen-Urushi] with Paulownia Box and Bag 7.5

Shikebiki fanDouble-sided Pattern Purple, Paulownia Box with Bag 7.5cm

This is a high quality fan made of high quality bamboo coated with our original color scheme of Hon-Urushi lacquer. The purple fan with brushstrokes is finished by a traditional technique called "shikebiki". We recommend this product to those who are looking for a high quality fan suitable for an adult's attire. The accompanying pouch is beautifully embroidered with a shikebiki pattern. Please use it for carrying and storing.

Ukiyo-e Woodblock print fan, Ukiyo-e Fugaku Sanjurokkei Hokusai Kanagawa-oki Namiura Box &folding fanwith stand

Mokuhanga (woodblock print) is a letterpress print made from a wooden base plate. This is the only fan with a woodblock print among the fans handled by Ibasen. The decorative fan from "Fugaku Sanjurokkei (Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji)," known as Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece, is one of the most popular ukiyoe prints in Japan and abroad as "Kanagawa Okinamiura" with its powerful giant waves and Mount Fuji. The fan with its gorgeous design is also appreciated in gift-giving situations as an indoor decoration. The included fan stand can be hung on the wall or placed in a stationary position, so it can be displayed wherever you prefer. [1]

Recommended Fans

This fan gives a cool and chic impression. Because of its air volume, it will be useful in many situations during the hot season. It is also a perfect item to take with you when you go out in yukata (light cotton kimono).

Edoround fanImasama 12 months, Toyokuni, Nakanatsu (May in the lunar calendar)

This is an Edo-style fan decorated with "Naka Natsu no Zu" from "Imasama 12 Months," a series of fan paintings by Toyokuni Utagawa I. Toyokuni Utagawa was a member of the Utagawa school and gained popularity for his actor pictures and paintings of beautiful women. Toyokuni Utagawa was a member of the Utagawa school and gained popularity for his paintings of actors and beautiful women. This product was printed and produced by Ibasen, the publisher, based on the existing woodblocks of fan paintings. The unique structure of the fan is utilized to create a playful design with beautiful paintings on the front and back. [2]

Edo period (1603-1867)round fanUkiyoe Hiroshige Snow

This is an Edo-style ukiyoe fan of "Edo Meisho Yuki" (Edo Famous Places: Snow) by Hiroshige Utagawa, famous for his famous landmark paintings. Utagawa Hiroshige is known for his many landscape paintings, including his masterpiece "The Fifty-three Stages of the Tokaido. The fan depicts two geisha walking through the town of Naka with umbrellas on a snowy day. This ukiyoe boldly depicts the townscape of the time, incorporating Western perspective. The print was printed and produced by Ibasen, a publisher, based on the existing woodblocks of fan paintings. [3]

Edo fan, large full moon No.56

Edo uchiwa fans are handmade by craftsmen using traditional methods that have been handed down since the Edo period (1603-1868). Each product is unique in its own way, with each piece of fabric having a different pattern, so no two are alike. You can enjoy the unique flavor of each one-of-a-kind product.

Fanfolding fanChoose a fan by keeping in mind the differences and characteristics of fans and uchiwa fans.

So far, we have discussed the differences between fans andfolding fanWe have told you about the differences and history of fans and uchiwa fans. In the modern age, a foldable and portable fan is called a "fan" or "uchiwa".folding fanThe one that cannot be folded and is made of Japanese paper or cloth is called a "fan.round fanThe non-foldable ones made of Japanese paper or cloth are often referred to as "fans. Both are hand-held tools for generating wind and are often used in daily life. Since the choice of which product to select depends on the intended use, it is important to keep the differences and features introduced above in mind and select a fan or a fan/fan that is suitable for your usage.folding fanPlease keep in mind the differences and features we have introduced and choose the fan or fan that is best suited for your usage.