Kyo-sensu is the general term for folding fans made in and around Kyoto, said to have been invented in Kyoto in the early Heian period. Rooted in the hi-ogi (cypress fans) and paper fans used at court, its greatest characteristic is that specialized artisans divide the labor by process — fan-face making, rib processing, painting, and finishing — with a single fan said to pass through more than 80 steps before completion. In contrast to Edo-sensu, where a single artisan handles the whole process, Kyo-sensu has a history of pursuing meticulous finishing through this division-of-labor system. Its designs range widely to suit purpose — from tea-ceremony fans and dance fans for uses such as tea ceremony, Noh, and dance, to practical fans and decorative fans — and Kyoto and its surrounding area still account for the majority of domestic fan production today. It became a Traditional Craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1977.
Origin
The folding fan is believed to have been invented in Kyoto in the early Heian period, developing from wooden writing tablets. Initially, hi-ogi fans made of bound thin cypress slats were used, and by the mid-Heian period, paper fans with paper pasted on were also introduced. The oldest surviving hi-ogi is said to have been found inside the statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon at To-ji Temple in Kyoto, with records dating to 877; because the fan developed mainly around the court and temples and shrines, Kyoto is regarded as its birthplace.
History
In the Muromachi period, influenced by fans imported from China, the structure still used today for paper fans — inserting ribs between the front and back of the fan paper — became established. The foundations of the current techniques are said to have been set in the Momoyama period, and from the Edo period onward, as tea ceremony, Noh, and dance developed, a diverse range of fans tailored to each field came to be made. From Kyoto, the center of politics and culture, fans were exported early on to Edo, across the country, and even overseas. It received national Traditional Craft designation in 1977.
Features
Its greatest characteristic is a division-of-labor system in which specialized artisans handle each process — rib making, fan-paper making, painting, and assembly — with carefully selected materials such as bamboo and Japanese paper produced in and around Kyoto. A wide variety of decorative techniques, including hand-painted designs and gold-leaf application, are used on the fan face, and designs suited to purpose have developed, from practical fans to tea-ceremony fans, dance fans, and decorative fans. Kyo-sensu is said to account for a large share of domestic fan production.
Techniques
Rib processing (dogiri and hegi)
A series of techniques for shaping bamboo into fan ribs, beginning with "dogiri," which removes the bamboo's joints and cuts it into uniform lengths, followed by "hegi," which finishes the ribs to a thin, uniform width and thickness. Handled by specialized artisans.
Making the fan paper (jigami)
An extremely thin core paper is sandwiched between sheets of Japanese paper called "kawagami" pasted on both sides, forming the paper used for the fan face (jigami). A later process creates gaps between the core paper layers into which the ribs are inserted.
Painting and decoration
The process of applying designs to the fan paper through hand-painted images or gold-leaf application. The pigments and techniques used differ depending on the purpose, such as dance fans, tea-ceremony fans, or decorative fans.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Rib making
Bamboo is cut to length ("dogiri"), then split into thin strips and shaped into fan ribs.
- 2
Making the fan paper
Core paper and outer paper are pasted together to make the Japanese paper (jigami) used for the fan face.
- 3
Folding
Regular pleats are folded into the fan paper to give it the shape of a fan.
- 4
Painting and decoration
The folded fan paper is decorated with painting, gold-leaf application, and other techniques.
- 5
Rib insertion
The ribs are carefully inserted one by one into the gaps of the folded fan paper.
- 6
Finishing
The outer ribs (oyabone) are attached and the rivet (kaname) is set, completing the fan.
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Artisans & Workshops
白竹堂
A Kyo-sensu specialty shop founded in 1718. Its main store is on Fuyacho-dori, north of Rokkaku, in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. Known as a long-established shop that handles everything from rib making to final assembly.
Official site →京扇堂
A Kyo-sensu specialty shop founded in 1832. While preserving traditional techniques, it also holds painting-experience classes.
Official site →舞扇堂
A fan specialty shop with stores in Gion, Nishiki Market, and Kiyomizu. Also known for its fan-painting experiences aimed at tourists.
Official site →How to Buy
- Directly-run Kyo-sensu specialty stores
- Long-established shops in Kyoto City such as Hakuchikudo and Kyosendo run their own stores, selling a wide range from practical fans to dance fans and decorative fans. Practical fans start at a few thousand yen, while dance fans and elaborately designed fans can cost tens of thousands of yen.
Hands-on Experiences
白竹堂 本店
京都市中京区麩屋町通六角上ル
Besides a fan-painting experience, visitors can also try "toshenkyo," a traditional Kyoto parlor game played with fans (reservation required).
View details →舞扇堂 祇園店
京都市東山区祇園町南側579番地
A fan-painting experience taking about 60 minutes. Simple type 3,300 yen, full mounted type 3,850 yen (tax included). Also available at the Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu stores.
View details →