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More Chinese Fans
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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