The Art of Japanese Folding Fans: Beauty, History, and Tradition

A gentle breeze in your hand, a masterpiece in miniature.

In Japan, the sensu—the folding fan—is far more than a tool for keeping cool.
It is a canvas for art, a symbol of good fortune, and a piece of history that has traveled from imperial courts to formal tea gatherings, from kabuki stages to the hands of today’s elders who appreciate its refined elegance.

Each fan tells a story through its graceful shape and intricate design, carrying centuries of tradition in every fold.
To open a sensu is to unfold the elegance, symbolism, and craftsmanship of Japan itself.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of the Japanese folding fan—its origins and history, different types and their meanings, the artistry of its creation, its role in traditional performance, and how it continues to inspire and delight people around the world today.

A Breeze of Japanese Elegance

In Japan, the sensu is more than a practical accessory—it is a cultural emblem that reflects centuries of artistry and meaning.

Unlike the flat, rigid fans common in many countries, the Japanese folding fan can be closed with a gentle motion and opened again to reveal a work of art. Its slender form makes it easy to carry, while its surface often showcases intricate paintings, calligraphy, or seasonal motifs.
Today, its portable design also makes it a popular choice for keeping cool during summer outings, blending tradition with everyday comfort.

For centuries, the sensu has been present at ceremonies, in the hands of dancers on stage, and as a cherished gift carrying wishes for prosperity. To hold one is to feel a quiet elegance that speaks of Japan’s cultural soul.

Origins and History – From Court Rituals to Global Hands

Early Japan: Birth of the Folding Fan

Japanese folding fans can be broadly divided into two traditional types: the hiōgi (檜扇) and the kawahori-ōgi (蝙蝠扇). The hiōgi, made from thin cypress slats tied with silk threads, originated in the imperial court for formal rituals. The kawahori-ōgi, or “bat fan,” is said in legend to have been inspired by bat wings—a design linked to the semi-mythical Empress Jingū.

Archaeological finds show folding fans existed as early as the Nara period (710–794), with the oldest hiōgi found at Prince Nagaya’s residence. By the mid-Heian period (794–1185), records distinguished between the Chinese-style rigid uchiwa and folding ōgi. The kawahori-ōgi, with five or six slender ribs covered in paper, appeared as a summer fan and became the prototype for the modern folding fan.

Heian to Muromachi: From Etiquette to Art

In the Heian court, fans served as tools of etiquette—used to conceal expressions, exchange poems (waka), or present flowers—customs recorded in works like The Tale of Genji. Over time, they became valued items for all classes, appearing in daily life and ceremonies.

During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), a new karasen (“Tang-style” fan) arrived from abroad, with paper on both sides of the ribs. This design influenced Japanese craftsmanship, leading to decorative kōsen painted with Japanese art.

Edo Period: A Fan for Everyone

By the Edo period (1603–1868), folding fans were common among the public. They became essential props in Noh and Kyōgen theater and in the tea ceremony, while remaining popular summer accessories.

To Europe and Back

From the 16th century, Japanese and Chinese folding fans reached Europe via maritime trade, first captivating Spain. Renamed “Spanish fans,” they spread across the continent as fashionable items for noblewomen. By the 17th–18th centuries, European makers developed silk, lace, and peacock-feather fans, with France producing elegant Rococo designs. A unique “language of the fan” even emerged in high society.

Artists such as Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot featured fans in their paintings, reflecting both Japonisme and Europe’s fascination with Eastern aesthetics.

Reverse Influence: The Silk Fan

In the late 19th century, European-style fans returned to Japan, inspiring the kinusen (silk fan). This cross-cultural exchange enriched both traditions, securing the Japanese sensu’s place in the shared heritage of global fashion, art, and ceremony.

Types of Japanese Folding Fans

Japanese folding fans (sensu) come in many varieties, each suited to a specific season, art form, or occasion.
Below is an overview of the most notable types, their purposes, and their distinguishing features.

Type	Description	Primary Use	Common Materials
Hiōgi (檜扇) / Chūkei (中啓)	Wooden fans used mainly in rituals. Chūkei is also used in Noh and other performing arts.	Ceremonial use, traditional performances	Cypress wood, bamboo
Shimai-sen (仕舞扇)	Fans used in Noh and Kyōgen theater. Designs vary by role and performance school.	Traditional performing arts	Bamboo ribs, washi paper
Kawahori-ōgi (蝙蝠扇)	Summer fans for cooling, including modern double-sided folding fans with many ribs.	Everyday cooling in summer	Bamboo ribs, paper or cloth
Maiōgi (舞扇)	Stage fans for Japanese dance and Kabuki. Often decorated with gold/silver designs; both sides share the same pattern.	Dance, Kabuki, stage performance	Bamboo ribs, washi paper, silk
Shūgi-sen (祝儀扇) / Fushūgi-sen (不祝儀扇)	Fans for formal occasions. White or gold for weddings, black for funerals. Symbolizes prosperity due to its widening shape.	Weddings, funerals, formal wear	Bamboo ribs, decorative paper
Hane-sensu (羽根扇子)	Feather fans, often seen in the Takarazuka Revue as props for aristocratic characters.	Stage performance, decorative effect	Feathers, bamboo ribs
Kazari-sensu (飾り扇)	Decorative fans displayed in homes. Includes round “fan wheel” designs that open into a full circle.	Interior decoration	Bamboo ribs, paper, cloth, wood
Cha-sensu (茶扇子)	Small fans used in tea ceremony for greetings and etiquette, kept closed during use.	Tea ceremony	Bamboo ribs, washi paper

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The Shape of Prosperity

The folding fan’s widening shape is known in Japan as suehirogari (末広がり), symbolizing expansion, growth, and a bright future. Because of this, fans are considered auspicious items, especially for celebrations. In fact, a ceremonial fan given at weddings is often called suehiro in direct reference to this shape.

A Gift for Every Milestone

Fans are popular gifts for life’s important occasions, carrying wishes for prosperity, happiness, and longevity.
Common occasions include:

Long-life celebrations such as kanreki (60), koki (70), kiju (77), beiju (88), sotsuju (90).
Retirement gifts for respected elders or long-serving colleagues.
Graduations, housewarmings, store openings, and coming-of-age ceremonies.
Children’s milestones such as Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 festival).

Personalized fans (naire-sensu) with engraved names, sayings, or proverbs are especially valued for retirement or longevity gifts.

Motifs and Their Meanings

The surface of a fan often features auspicious patterns (wagara), each with its own symbolic meaning:

Pattern	Japanese Name	Meaning
Temari (handball)	手毬	Youthful beauty, parental wishes for a child’s healthy growth, and a harmonious family.
Asanoha (hemp leaf)	麻の葉	Rapid growth, good health, and protection against evil.
Ichimatsu (checkerboard)	市松	Endless continuity, prosperity, and expansion.
Hyōtan (gourd)	瓢箪	Fertility, prosperity, good health, and warding off evil.
Tonbo (dragonfly)	蜻蛉	Victory, courage, and good fortune; a samurai’s symbol of never retreating.
Chidori (plover)	千鳥	Success and abundance; paired with waves, symbolizes overcoming challenges together.
Seigaiha (blue ocean waves)	青海波	Eternal peace, happiness, and good fortune.
Uroko (scales)	鱗文様	Protection from evil and renewal.
Ryūsui (flowing water)	流水文様	Purification, resilience, and the ability to overcome difficulties.
Ume (plum blossom)	梅小紋	Perseverance, vitality, and prosperity.

Sacred and Ceremonial Significance

Fans have long been used in dances dedicated to the gods, believed to bring good harvests and protect health. Over time, the fans themselves came to be seen as sacred objects. In tea ceremony, a cha-sensu is placed in front of the knees during greetings to mark a symbolic boundary (kekkai), showing respect to the other person.

Thus, the sensu is is a cultural emblem, a carrier of blessings, and a bridge between daily life and the sacred.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

The beauty of a Japanese folding fan lies not only in its design, but also in the quality of its materials and the skill of the artisans who create it.

Materials

A Japanese folding fan (sensu) is made from a combination of four main parts: the fan surface (senmen), the outer ribs (oyabone), and the inner ribs (nakabone).
The choice of materials for the surface and ribs affects not only the fan’s appearance but also its durability, feel, and price.

Part & Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Paper (washi) – traditional fan surface	Strong airflow; can be double-sided, making it attractive from any angle	Tears easily when wet
Cloth (polyester) – modern fan surface	Water-resistant; pairs well with casual clothing	Weaker airflow; usually single-sided, so the reverse side may look plain
Bamboo (white, black, or smoked) – traditional ribs	Flexible and durable; high-quality appearance; becomes smoother with use	Natural variations in color may be uneven
Plastic – modern ribs	Easy to clean; resistant to dirt	Can look cheap compared to natural materials

In traditional crafting, high-quality washi and bamboo are preferred for their beauty and feel, while modern fans may use polyester and plastic for affordability and everyday practicality.

Decorative Techniques

The surface of a fan becomes a canvas for Japanese artistry, decorated using traditional methods that require both skill and patience:

Hand-painting – From delicate landscapes to bold seasonal motifs.
Fan painters (senmen eshi) depict classic Japanese flowers such as cherry blossoms (sakura), wisteria (fuji), and chrysanthemums (kiku), as well as festive patterns like flower carts (hanaguruma) or phoenixes (hōō). Seasonal scenes, festival motifs, and auspicious animals such as horses, hawks, and dragons are also popular.
Gold and silver leafing – Creating a luminous effect that catches the light.
Craftsmen apply traditional foil using various methods: hira-oshi (pressing square foil sheets), noge (cutting foil into thin strips to create designs), chigiri-baku (scattering flake-like foil), and sunago (sprinkling fine foil particles). These techniques, all done by hand, produce rich textures and shimmering details.
Yuzen dyeing – A resist-dye technique producing intricate, multi-colored patterns.
Using katazome (stencil dyeing), master artisans hand-paint and dye silk (shōken) or washi paper. In Kyoto-style yuzen, certified traditional craftsmen create fans with exceptional depth of color and refined patterns. Hand-dyed washi fans are especially prized for their beauty.
Calligraphy – Poems or proverbs written in graceful brushstrokes.
When paired with painted scenes, calligraphers choose appropriate classical poems or waka, placing the text in the blank spaces without crossing the folds. The arrangement ensures that when the fan is closed, the writing is not visible. The wider upper section of the fan is often used for the text to balance the composition.

The Making Process

Crafting a sensu is a meticulous, multi-step process:

Preparing the ribs – Bamboo or wood is split, shaped, and smoothed.
Preparing the paper – Several layers of washi or other paper are glued together for strength, then dried and trimmed into the fan’s shape.
Decorating the surface – Paper or silk is painted, dyed, or gilded.
Folding and shaping – The fan is precisely folded to ensure smooth opening and closing.
Mounting – The decorated surface is carefully attached to the ribs.
Finishing touches – Edges are trimmed, and pivots are fitted for perfect balance.

Each fan may take days or even weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of its design. This combination of fine materials, time-honored techniques, and human touch ensures that every sensu is both a practical object and a work of art.

Fans in Japanese Performing Arts

In Japan’s traditional stage arts, the folding fan (sensu) is far more than a prop—it is an extension of the performer’s body, capable of expressing emotions, seasons, and even symbolic objects.

Nihon Buyō (Japanese Dance)

In nihon buyō, the fan is central to the choreography. A gentle opening of the fan can evoke the blooming of cherry blossoms, while sharp, precise movements may suggest falling autumn leaves or a sudden gust of wind. The fan’s colors and patterns often match the season or the story being told.

Noh Theater

In Noh, the fan (ōgi) is not just a prop—it is strictly defined by the role and the play being performed.
Each character type, whether a nobleman, warrior, or supernatural being, uses a specific fan with set colors, patterns, and size. These designs often carry symbolic meaning tied to the story, such as motifs of pine trees, waves, or the moon.

While the fan may be used in stylized movements—such as slowly raising it to mark the passage of time—its primary significance lies in its identity as a prescribed element of the costume, essential for conveying the role’s authenticity and tradition.

Kabuki

In kabuki, the sensu or maiōgi is used both literally and metaphorically.
It might serve as a sword, a sake cup, or a letter—transformed entirely through the actor’s gesture. Bold, sweeping motions create dramatic visual effects, enhanced by the fan’s gold, silver, or vividly painted surfaces.

While most performances use a single fan, certain plays feature the “nimai-ōgi” (two-fan) style, where the actor holds a fan in each hand.
In the dance Kagami-jishi (“The Mirror Lion”), the performer moves both fans softly and gracefully, evoking the refined elegance of the character.

Rakugo

In rakugo—Japan’s traditional comic storytelling—the fan becomes a highly versatile tool of imagination. A performer may use it to mimic:

Eating or drinking – as chopsticks, a sake cup, or a rice bowl.
Writing – as a brush or pen for signing a letter.
Everyday objects – as a pipe, a sword, or even a shop’s accounting book.

The fan’s simplicity allows the audience to fill in the details, making it an essential part of rakugo’s minimalist stagecraft.

Expressing Emotion and Season

Across these art forms, the fan’s movements convey subtle emotional states:

A half-closed fan held near the face can suggest shyness or modesty.
Quick, fluttering motions may express excitement or tension.
Opening the fan fully toward the audience can symbolize welcome or celebration.

Through these performances, the sensu becomes a visual language, telling stories without words and carrying centuries of tradition on stage.

Modern Uses and Global Influence

In modern Japan, the sensu continues to balance practicality and artistry, adapting to contemporary lifestyles while preserving its cultural charm.

Practical Use in Daily Life

During Japan’s hot and humid summer months, the folding fan remains a traditional and elegant option for keeping cool—especially during summer festivals (natsu matsuri) and fireworks displays (hanabi taikai).

While portable and easy to carry, sensu are now more commonly seen in the hands of adults and older generations. Among younger people, small handheld electric fans have become a more popular choice for beating the heat. Even so, the folding fan continues to appeal to those who appreciate its quiet charm, cultural heritage, and the subtle grace it brings to summer outings.

Interior, Souvenirs, and Fashion

Beyond their practical use, sensu are widely appreciated as decorative objects. Fans with vibrant seasonal motifs, gold-leaf accents, or traditional wagara patterns are sold as souvenirs for travelers.

In interior design, large decorative fans (kazari-sensu) bring a touch of Japanese elegance to homes and commercial spaces.
In fashion, folding fans have reappeared as accessories, carried at summer parties, weddings, and even on runways.

Global Collaborations

International designers and brands have embraced the folding fan for its unique blend of form and function. Collaborations between Japanese artisans and luxury fashion houses have produced limited-edition fans featuring modern graphics, unconventional materials, and cross-cultural motifs.
These projects not only introduce the sensu to new audiences but also highlight its versatility as a design object.

The Japanese folding fan has evolved into a cultural ambassador—carrying with it centuries of tradition while continuing to inspire around the world.

How to Choose and Care for a Sensu

Would you like to own a sensu yourself—or perhaps give one as a meaningful gift?
In this section, we’ll introduce where you can purchase authentic Japanese folding fans, as well as tips on how to care for them so they can be enjoyed for many years.

Choosing the Right Sensu

The ideal folding fan depends on how you plan to use it:

Decorative Use – Choose a kazari-sensu with bold patterns, gold or silver accents, and a sturdy frame for display. Larger sizes make a stronger visual impact.
Practical Everyday Use – Opt for a lightweight natsu-ōgi with durable materials. Paper (washi) offers strong airflow, while polyester resists water and wear.
Performing Arts – Select a fan designed for the specific art form. Maiōgi are used in Japanese dance and kabuki, while cha-sensu are sized for tea ceremony. In Noh, the type of fan is strictly determined by the role and play.

If you are outside Japan and wish to purchase an authentic folding fan, some traditional makers offer international shipping.
For example, Ibasen—a long-established fan shop in Tokyo—offers a range of high-quality sensu for practical use, decoration, and ceremonies, and also ships to overseas customers.

Official Website

Caring for Your Sensu

Proper care can greatly extend the life of your fan:

Avoid Moisture – Keep away from rain or damp conditions; water can warp bamboo and damage paper.
Store Away from Direct Sunlight – Prolonged exposure can cause fading or discoloration.
Keep in a Protective Case – Especially important for silk or gold-leaf fans to prevent dust and scratches.
Open and Close Gently – Forcing the fan can damage the folds or loosen the pivot.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place – Avoid areas with high humidity to prevent mold or warping.

With the right choice and proper care, a sensu can last for many years—becoming not just a tool, but a cherished keepsake that reflects both your style and Japan’s timeless artistry.

Conclusion – Unfolding Centuries of Elegance

From the imperial courts of ancient Japan to modern stages and homes around the world, the sensu has carried with it more than just a breeze—it has carried stories, artistry, and tradition.
Its widening shape embodies hopes for prosperity, while its patterns and materials reflect the seasons, celebrations, and spiritual beliefs of Japanese culture.

Whether used to cool oneself in summer, to grace a performance, or to serve as a meaningful gift, a folding fan is both a practical object and a work of art.

In holding a sensu, you hold centuries of history in your hands—each fold an echo of the elegance, symbolism, and craftsmanship that continue to inspire, in Japan and beyond.