17 Stylish Fans! How to choose a fan without fail [Men's/Women's].

The shape of a folding fan has the meaning of "spreading out and flourishing. Since a folding fan forms a shape that spreads out when it is unfolded, it is considered a good omen in Japan. Stylish fans are recommended not only for daily use but also as gifts. They are a standard celebratory gift for kanreki celebrations and Respect for the Aged Day, but recently they are also gaining popularity as birthday presents and tasteful gifts for Mother's Day and Father's Day. In this issue, we will introduce stylish fans for men and women and how to choose a fan that will not fail.

Meaning behind the gift of a fan｜Recommended gift-giving occasions and points to note

How to choose a stylish fan

In recent years, more and more people are carrying fans not only as Japanese accessories to match kimonos and yukatas, but also as portable heat-protection goods and fashion accessories. In line with this trend, a wide variety of fashionable fans for both men and women, and for both men and women, are now available. First, let us introduce how to select a stylish fan.

Selecting a fan by material

Folding fans are classified into different types according to the material of the fan surface, such as cloth fans and paper fans. Since the difference in material has to do with comfort and practicality, choose the one that best suits your taste.

 

Paper fans for casual, everyday use

Paper fans can be used casually and are suitable for daily use. Foldable, compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, it is a highly practical material. Since the fan is covered with Japanese paper from both sides, it is beautiful from all angles.

 

Cloth fans with gorgeous embroidery

The texture of the cloth and the beautiful embroidery can be enjoyed only with a cloth fan. Another advantage is that it matches a wide range of scenes, from business to Japanese atmosphere. The fabric used varies from silk to polyester.


Main types of fans｜Classification by material, use, production area, size, and correct usage

Materials for fans

Paper fan

Edo folding fan

Paper fan

Shimebiki folding fan

Cloth folding fan

Silk folding fan

Cloth Fan

Hand towel fan

Select by Fan Pattern

The patterns and designs on fans have various meanings. Here are some examples of major patterns and the meaning behind each.

 

Gourd

Hyotan is a plant characterized by its long vines and narrow shape. It has been used since ancient times as one of the auspicious patterns for celebration. Since it bears many fruits, it is associated with such meanings as "prosperity of offspring," "good fortune," and "prosperity of business.

 

Horse

Horses have long been closely associated with human life. They are popular as a motif of good luck because they bring good things to people, such as benefits and income. The pattern depicting nine horses running is considered an auspicious pattern that brings good luck, from the Chinese character "馬九行駆" (=to go well).

 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a plant that maintains its evergreen color throughout the year and has a strong life force that withstands cold and snow. It has also been regarded as a good luck charm since ancient times because of its characteristic of straight growth. Such bamboo patterns are associated with the meanings of "prosperity of descendants," "longevity," and "immortality.

 

Dragonfly

The dragonfly, often used as a standard Japanese pattern, is an insect known as the seasonal word for autumn. Since dragonflies are seasonal insects that produce crops, the dragonfly pattern is associated with the meaning of "good harvest. Dragonflies have large, long wings and can only fly straight ahead and cannot retreat. For this reason, dragonflies were called "victorious insects" because of their courage and daring, and were favored by samurai warriors.

Pattern of a fan

Gourd

Six gourds

Horse

Ma ku go (go well)

bamboo

Bamboo with red and white plum blossoms

Dragonfly

Dragonfly Blue

Select by reliability and quality

Fans can now be easily purchased through mail order sites, festival stalls, and souvenir shops. However, if you are giving them as a gift, you want to choose one that is durable and of high quality. Long-established brands of fans are carefully crafted by hand by artisans and are characterized by their sturdiness and long use. If the brand has a long history, it can be enjoyed as a traditional craft. High-quality fans made of fragrant wood, for example, can be enjoyed for their beautiful openwork and elegant fragrance.

Men's] 10 recommendations of fashionable folding fans for men

There are many stylish and chic designs for men's folding fans that match both business and everyday use. Here, we introduce stylish fans for men.

Edo folding fan

Edo Senko No.24 Double-sided Pattern Dragonfly Blue

This is an Edo fan with a double-sided pattern, with a blue dragonfly boldly drawn on half of the fan surface. The reverse side has the same pattern as the front side, and is coolly drawn in gray all over. Dragonflies are called "Kachimushi" by samurai because they only move forward and do not retreat, and have been considered an auspicious motif. It is a perfect gift for those who are taking on a new challenge, such as changing jobs or starting a business.

For more information, click here.

Edo folding fan No.15 "Bakku go

This Edo fan depicts nine horses running strongly toward the left. The characters for "horse nine go" are "うまくいく", meaning "all will go well" or "everything will go well", and the pattern is associated with good fortune. In addition, the nine horses are said to represent the following nine lucks: luck in money, luck in career, luck in victory, luck in family, luck in love, luck in health, prosperity in business, good catches and harvests, and success in entrance examinations. The horse facing left is also known as a motif that brings luck in victory, as it means "there is nothing to the right.

For more information, click here.

Edo fan No.16 Wave, blue

The delicately drawn wave pattern and the beautiful blue coloring of this Edo fan are impressive. It creates a cool atmosphere when held close to the hand. The endless, gentle wave pattern is meant to convey the meaning of "May you live peacefully forever. This pattern is recommended as a wedding gift or a wedding anniversary gift.

For more information, click here.

Shimebiki folding fan

Shimebiki fan, Nakanada 7.5cm

Shike" means silk threads drawn from silkworms. Shikebiki is a technique to dye delicate striped patterns on fabrics with a shike brush. Because it is done by hand by craftsmen, it allows for a gentleness and variety of expression that differs from woven stripes. Nakanada is the color name for indigo dyeing, and offers a soothing hue.

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Shimebiki fan, green, 7.5cm

This paper fan has a beautiful green shimebiki pattern. The reverse side is plain green. Please enjoy the beautiful and delicate striped pattern created by hand by our craftsmen. We also offer a personalized imprinting service on the reverse side, so we recommend this as a gift for a loved one.

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Shimebiki fan, black, 7.5cm

This is a paper fan with beautiful black shimebiki patterns. The reverse side is plain black. The beautiful and delicate striped pattern was created by hand by craftsmen. We also offer a personalized imprinting service that is appreciated in gift situations. How about putting the name of your loved one on the back as a gift?

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Shimebiki fan, double-sided, indigo color [Reprinted in Japanese lacquer], with paulownia box and pouch, 7.5 cm

The double-sided Shimebiki pattern is chic and luxurious, and fits in well with formal occasions. The inner and middle bones are made of high-quality domestic bamboo and coated with our original color scheme of Hon Urushi lacquer. The fan surface is brushed with pigments that match the color of the lacquer on the frame, and then brushed over with different brushes in concentric circles. The set comes in a paulownia wood box with a fan bag, making it a perfect gift.

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Shibu folding fan

2023 New Design] Shibu folding fan, green persimmon tannin fan

This is a fan in an austere green color coated with persimmon tannin. Kakishibu is made by pressing astringent persimmons and fermenting and maturing them. In Japan, it has long been used as a paint, dye, and all-purpose folk medicine. The smell of astringency has been eliminated by the latest technology, and it also repels water. The simple yet modern Shibu fan makes a stylish adult gift.

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2023 Kakishibu Green Kakishibu Fan

This is an austere blue fan coated with persimmon tannin. Kakishibu, which is made by pressing and fermenting astringent persimmon juice, has been used as a paint and dye in Japan since ancient times. Using natural materials such as persimmon tannin and lacquer, the fan is dyed a deep and beautiful color while maintaining the strength of the paper. The smell of astringency has been eliminated by the latest technology, so you can rest assured that the product is safe.

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2023 New Works] Shibu folding fan, persimmon color, persimmon tannin fan

This is an austere persimmon-colored fan coated with persimmon tannin. Simple and modern Shibu folding fans are recommended as a gift for a fashionable adult. Kakishibu, made by fermenting and maturing astringent persimmon, is applied, and then "side lacquer" is applied to the paper folds and mountains. The great appeal of this product is that it is durable and can be used for a long time!

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Ladies] 7 recommendations for stylish fans that are easy for women to use.

Women's fans are characterized by gorgeous decorations and colorful, delicate patterns. Here we introduce stylish fans for women.

Edo folding fans

Edo folding fan No.30 Asano-ha deisign Ball, light red

This lovely light red Edo fan combines the patterns of hemp leaves and Temari balls. The hemp leaf has been a popular motif for wishing for the healthy growth of children because of its fast growth and the way it grows straight up. It has also been used as a pattern for maternity clothes to ward off evil spirits. The Temari pattern is associated with the wish that the child will grow up to be a whole person and that he/she will be able to build a happy family. This pattern is a perfect gift for women, as it has the meaning of protecting women from small children to adulthood.

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Edo fan No.31 Linen-leaf cloud, light mint color

This is a cool, hackberry-colored Edo fan with a hemp leaf and auspicious cloud pattern. The hemp leaf pattern has the meaning of praying for the healthy growth of children and to ward off evil. In ancient times, people believed that gods and spirits resided in the clouds, which caused rain and snow and influenced the weather. The cloud patterns were named "Unki" or "Zui-un" (auspicious clouds), and have been popular as one of the auspicious patterns.

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Edo folding fan No.11, six gourds

This is a retro Edo fan with six gourds on it. The six gourds, or "six gourds" (mupai), are symbolic of the wish for good health and good health. The gourd itself is also considered an auspicious pattern. As it is sometimes described as "Senjo Gourd," it is also a pattern of good luck, as it is believed to make wishes come true.

For more information, click here.

Edo Senshi No.26 Double-sided Pattern, Cherry Blossom

This is a gorgeous and beautiful Edo fan with a double-sided pattern of cherry blossoms, one of Japan's national flowers. The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom reminds us of "prosperity" and "abundance. It was one of the motifs favored by samurai warriors because it was not only gorgeous when in bloom, but also graceful and beautiful when falling.

For more information, click here.

Shimebiki folding fan

Shimebiki fan, Kasumi, double-sided, purple, 7.5cm

Shimebiki is a technique of dyeing delicate striped patterns with a brush. This fan has such a shimebiki pattern on both sides, giving it a luxurious feel. The delicate patterns created by hand by craftsmen are a distinctive feature of this product. Please enjoy the beautiful gradation woven by the deep purple shimebiki pattern.

For more information, click here.

Shisebiki fan, double-sided pattern, purple [Reprinted in Japanese lacquer], with paulownia box and pouch, 7.5 cm

This is a reprint of a Shimebiki fan that was manufactured by Ibasen in the past. The elegant impression of the fine purple color will add a touch of elegance to the hand of an adult woman. The inner and middle bones are made of high-quality domestic bamboo, and finished with our own color scheme and lacquer coating. It comes with a fan bag and a paulownia box, making it a perfect gift.

For more information, click here.

Silk folding fan

Silk folding fan, cherry blossom illustration, hand-painted by the artist + silk fan

We will hand-paint a cherry blossom pattern on a silk fan of your choice of color. Since each fan is hand-painted, the size, shape, and position of the cherry blossoms will vary from fan to fan. This is recommended as a gift for a loved one, as it allows you to create a fan that is one-of-a-kind. The fan bag is also painted with cherry blossoms and delivered in a paulownia wood box. Please choose from four colors of silk fans: coral, indigo, dragonflower, and strawberry. Because they are hand-painted, it takes from 10 days to 2 weeks from order to delivery.

For more information, click here.
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Give a stylish fan as a gift to your loved one!

We have introduced how to choose a fan as a gift without making a mistake and recommended products that are perfect for gift-giving. Since each pattern on a fan has its own meaning, we recommend that you choose a fan that matches the person you wish to give it to and the occasion for which it is to be given. We encourage you to choose a gift for your loved one while paying attention to the meaning of the pattern in addition to the color and design.