The folding fan was invented in Japan in the 8th century and taken to China in the 9th century. The Akomeogi (or Japanese folding fan) originated in the 6th century. These were fans held by aristocrats of the Heian period when formally dressed. They were made by tying thin stripes of hinoki (or Japanese cypress) together with thread. The number of strips of wood differed according to the person's rank. They are used today by Shinto priests in formal costume and in the formal costume of the Japanese court (they can be seen used by the Emperor and Empress during coronation and marriage) and are brightly painted with long tassels. The Chinese dancing fan was developed in the 7th century. The Chinese form of the hand fan was a row of feathers mounted in the end of a handle.

The fan that we are offering here is made of black silk, with steel being used in place of the traditional wood "ribs" of the fan. This piece is very sturdy, and with a little practice you can grab the attention of anyone and everyone in the room by snapping your fan open.

HEIGHT: 13"

WIDTH(open): 24 1/2"

WEIGHT: 1 1/4lb.