Sandalwood fan is dated to over 3000 years ago, around the Shang dynasty.
The first type of fan known as SHANHAN, was known as tied to a horse-dawn carriage to protect the passengers from strong sunshine and rainfall.
At that point of time, the fans be usually made of feathers and called “feather fans’ which was popular among noble class of people.
Around the same period a silk fan made in the shape of moon, called a “round fan” became the favorite among the young ladies. And, later this moon shaped fan took on many shapes, such as oval, flat and sometimes the shape of Chinese plum flower, Ribs of the fan were usually made of bones of the animals, wood or bamboo at that time.
USE OF SANDALWOOD FAN
This fan is generally used for fanning oneself in the hot weather.
In sumo wrestling, the referee controls the contestants using a type of fan called “gumpai uchiwa”, which means “military fan”
Whether used as an elegant fashion accessory or a useful tool to keep oneself cool.
These fans are called “zhe Shan” In China while “sensu” or “ougi” in Japanese and these are tied by a thin strips of Japanese cypress wood combined with thread. The printing or embroidery on these flags is painted by craftsmen or artists. These fans are easy to carry anywhere with you normally.
The sandalwood fan has its own fragrance of sandalwood and has an intricate carved design on its material. These fans are now a days perfect for summer occasions, outdoor weddings and garden parties and much more.
SYMBOLISM AND BELIEFS
The fan symbolize prosperity and peace and we can spread it even more as we open it.
Different colored fans have different meanings like red and white colors are lucky colors there, so colored are there fans and golden colored fans are considered to attract wealth. Also, different colored leaves and patterns on the fan have certain meanings.
It’s a tradition in Japan that gifting fans to friends and relatives is a wishing for them for their long life and happiness.
While carrying your fan with yourself, be careful that no heavy or sharp material to be kept on the top of it, as it may damage the fan.
If not in use, these fans can also be used as a home décor.
