In ancient times, Chinese used plant leaves or bird feathers as a fan during the summer time. This was the earliest form of the fan.The first real fan was made back in the era of Yao and Shun period thousands of years ago. Since then, Chinese made fans have become a vital part of Chinese art and culture since then.Initially, the fan functioned as a tool to generate a current of air amid the hot weather.
Now electric fans such as ceiling fans and other technological breakthroughs have taken the place. Fan Art Long ago, Fans caught the attention of ancient Chinese artists inadvertently. Thereafter, a unique fine art gradually took shape in the history of Chinese fine art. Fan art usually includes Chinese calligraphy, paintings, or poems on the sectors. Special skills are needed to write or paint on them subject to different types of fans and different materials used. It’s much more difficult than doing the same thing on a piece of smooth paper.
One of the most favorite types among calligraphers is the folded fan with paper sectors. Fan Ornament Due to its history and partly because of its unique shape, the fan elicits feeling that are associated with the Orient (both being ancient and mysterious). Chinese would soon develop the tradition of using fans as ornaments. Fans are made in different sizes and different colors to meet the needs of each request. Other Chinese ornaments, such as the Chinese knot, the green jade, and the Spring Festival picture, are often combined in each design.
Fan Collection The value of fans depends mainly on the materials used and the level of craftsmanship that is involved during the process. Feather, paper, jade, bamboo and silk have all been used as ideal materials to make fans. Ancient Chinese even made iron fans to serve as deadly weapons in Chinese martial arts. Fans made by renowned craftsmen are often characterized by exquisite designs and subtle handiwork, and thus become favorites of collectors. Fans with masterpiece fine art like calligraphy or paintings are even more valuable.
