Chinese Fan — History, Classification, Utilization, Art, Culture, and Artifact
Chinese Fans, throughout history, served as ritual wares, practical devices, and eloquent carriers of traditional arts and literature.
Beyond utilitarian functions, these intricately crafted fans have become symbolic representations of one's aesthetic taste and social status.
In the hands of individuals throughout the ages, Chinese fans have been more than mere accessories; they have cherished artifacts that reflect the cultural richness, artistic expressions, and social nuances of their time.
Fan of Court Ladies in Painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers", By Artist Zhou Fang of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907)
Elegant Fan in the Painting "Court Ladies Appreciating a Dance" by Zhou Wenju (about 907 — 975)
Origin of Chinese Fans
The origin of fans in China is believed to be something ancient people used to wave to create a current of air, such as broad leaves and birds' feathers, to stay cool in hot weather.
Besides this primary function, however, some other main uses throughout history made fans valuable art pieces and eminent crafts.
Traditional Chinese Fans in the Painting "Spring Morning in the Han Palace" by Qiu Ying (about 1498–1552)
Types and Symbolism of Chinese Fans
Wuming Shan or Zhang Shan — The Most Ancient Ritual Fan
Wuming Shan or Zhang Shan is a long handle, door-shaped fan for ceremonial uses, believed invented by King Shun (about 2294 BC — 2184 BC).
Wuming means enlightened, open-minded, and bright in all five directions, east, west, north, south, and the middle.
The shape of the Wuming Shan changed to some extent over history; however, its ritual uses as the symbol of imperial power and authority remained until the fall of the last feudal Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912).
Ritual Fans or Wuming Shan in Court Painting "Bunian Tu" about Emperor Taizong of Tang Receiving the Tibetan (Tu Bo) Envoy, by Yan Liben (601 — 673) — Palace Museum
Tuan Shan or Gong Shan — Moon-Shaped Fan with Artistic Value
Tuan Shan or Gong Shan is a round moon-shaped fan initially used to shelter nobles from sun, wind, and sand, usually held by servants.
Centuries later, the fan became smaller and could be held and designed by nobles as artistic decorations.
Usually, Calligraphy, Painting, and auspicious Patterns are the main artistic decorations for fans.
Moon Shaped Fan in the Painting "Portrait of Palace Maidens" by Liu Songnian (about 1131–1218)
Another important use of both Wuming Shan and Tuan Shan is to hide one's face behind.
Some sovereigns didn't want to reveal their faces to the public, such as Emperor Wang Mang (45 BC — 23 AD), who would command the servants to hold long-handle fans as screens.
To show respect and avoid impolite or unnecessary eye contact, other men would also use their fans to shield them in certain situations.
Historically, women mostly use fans to hide their faces when they feel shy or unwilling to see certain people.
Different Moon-Shaped Fans or Tuan Shan in Painting "Court Ladies Waving Fans" by Zhou Fang of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907), on Hands of Imperial Court Lady and Her Servant,
Wedding Fan or Bridal Fan — Ceremony of Que Shan
In a Traditional Chinese Wedding, the bride would hold a fan, usually the moon-shaped Tuan Shan, in front of her face to hide her shyness, stay mysterious, and exorcise evil spirits.
When the new couple completed all other wedding ceremonies, after the groom impressed the bride, such as writing a good poem, the bride would remove her wedding fan and face the groom.
This is the Rite of Que Shan, an important ceremony in a traditional Chinese wedding.
Wedding Fan or Bridal Fan in Chinese TV Series "The Story of Minglan"
Folding Fan or Zhe Shan — Aesthetic Art Folded on Hands
Folding Fans or Zhe Shan originated relatively late, during the Han (202 BC — 220 AD) to Tang (618 — 907) dynasties, or were introduced from Japan.
Until the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644), Folding Fans were popularized rapidly.
Scholars wrote Calligraphy and drew Paintings on each side of exquisite folding fans, which became one of the most important accessories representing one's social status, aesthetic taste, and literary attainment.
Folding Paper Fan in the Painting "Ladies Fishing and Playing Chess in Lotus Pavilion" by artist Zhou Wenju (about 907 — 975)
Materials for Making Chinese Fans
Feather, silk, paper, bamboo, wood, rattan, bulrush, straw, and bone are all common materials to make fans throughout history.
Feather Fan in the Painting "Spring Morning in the Han Palace" by Qiu Ying (about 1498–1552)
Luxurious materials like gold, glaze, jade, mica, and ivory have also been used to make or decorate fans, primarily by nobles and wealthy people.
Besides, exquisite fan bags, fan pendants, and fan boxes are also beautiful art pieces.
Different Types of Fans in the Painting "Beautiful Ladies" by Qiu Ying (about 1498–1552)
Design, Drawing, and other Cultural Content of Chinese Fans
Including painting, calligraphy, and embroidery on fans, there are some motifs that have been quite popular throughout history.
Chinese Characters with Cultural Meanings
Calligraphy, the supreme art form for writing Chinese Characters, is one of the most popular fan decorations among scholars in history and today.
This is also considered the best representative of one's temperate, social status, literary attainment, and ambition.
Characters, phrases, poems, articles, and artistic seal stamps, are all typical content to write on fans.
Begonia Flowers with Poetry by Xiang Shengmo (1597 — 1658)
Click to Read Chinese Characters, Phrases, and Poems For:
Chinese Fan Drawing — Landscape, Bird, Flower, and Figure Paintings
In Traditional Chinese Paintings, landscape, bird and flower, and figure are the three main genres.
Hence, these are also the most famous motifs of fan drawings and embroideries.
Beautiful Fan Drawing in the Painting "Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk" by artist Zhang Xuan of the Tang Dynasty (618–907)
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