Folding fans were invented by the Japanese and brought to China through Korea.
Chinese fans are thought to have originated in the 11th century B.C. King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty may have invented them. The fans were initially made of feathers and leaves.
History
Early Chinese fans had longer shafts and were used against dust from wheels of carts. Not until about 206 B.C. were fans used to keep cool. By then, fans were made of materials like silk, bamboo, ivory and wood.
Types
Chinese fans are either folding or unfolding and are available in various shapes. They can be round, oval, square or other shapes. Functional fans typically consist of palm or bamboo leaves. Decorative fans may be made of silk or sandalwood.
Other Facts
Fans also appear on the Chinese stage. Characters use them to convey their emotions. Also, Chinese fans are often sold to tourists as souvenirs. In the early 20th century, China had a thriving export business in fans.
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