Sensu originates in Japan. Its basic function is to fan and create wind. It’s a practical tool and is also valued as a work of art. It’s considered to be auspicious and has been used for a wide variety of purposes, such as decoration and gifts.
Sensu were also important for aristocrats and samurai as ornaments and etiquette.
- Sensu which is environmentally friendly
- Sensu and traditional Japanese culture
- Types of Sensu
- Uses of Sensu
- Pictures and patterns on Sensu
- How to use Sensu
- Structure of Sensu
- How to make Sensu
- Kyo Sensu and Edo Sensu
- Roots of Sensu
- The spread and development of Sensu
- The relationship between Sensu and Occidental Art
- Author: Takuya Nagata. Amazon Profile
Sensu which is environmentally friendly
Bamboo, the main material for Sensu, grows quickly and can be harvested in about 3 years, making it sustainable and environmentally friendly. In addition, fanning by sensu can cool you down, so you may not need an air conditioner or electric fan. Even if you use an air conditioner, you can set the room temperature higher because of sensu, which leads to energy savings.
Sensu and traditional Japanese culture
Sensu are also used in ceremonies and performing arts. Sensu have a deep connection to traditional Japanese culture, such as sado (tea ceremony), Kodo (incense ceremony), kemari (ball-kicking game), nohgaku such as noh and kyogen, nihon-buyou (Japanese dance), rakugo and koudan (storytelling).
Sensu are both practical and artistic, and are an important prop in traditional performing arts.
Types of Sensu
There are many different types of sensu, depending on their purpose and design.
Natsuougi (夏扇):
Natsuougi are sensu for the hot season. It’s kawahoriougi (蝙蝠扇), which is the most common type at the present day. It’s made from thin, light materials such as washi (Japanese paper), and they are designed to be well ventilated. Natsuougi tend to be worn with yukata and summer kimonos, and are often seen at fireworks displays and summer festivals.
Fuyuougi (冬扇):
Fuyuougi are hiougi (檜扇) made from thin cypress (檜) boards, and are mainly used in ceremonies. Although it’s written as “winter fan,” they are also used outside of winter. They are also used in traditional performing arts such as Noh.
To use an analogy for something that is out of season and useless, they are called “tousen-karo” (winter fan, summer fire) or “karo-tousen” (summer fire, winter fan).
Shuugisen (shuugiougi: 祝儀扇):
Generally small sensu used for ceremonial occasions. White sensu are for men while gold and silver sensu are for women. At funerals, black sensu called “bushuugisen” (不祝儀扇) are used.
Kazariougi (飾り扇):
Originally, fans were practical items, but kazariougi are made with the assumption that they would be displayed. They place more emphasis on decoration than durability. Kazariougi include ougiguruma (扇車) and sensuguruma (扇子車) that open into a perfect circle.
Chaougi (茶扇):
Also called chasensu (茶扇子). It’s a sensu used in sadou (the way of the tea ceremony). In the tea ceremony, the chaougi is a symbol of etiquette and spirit. When placed on a tatami mat, sensu acts as a boundary between the person and the other person, and is a sign of courtesy. Chaougi is not actually opened and used at a tea ceremony.
Kiougi (Kisen: 木扇):
Kiougi is a fan made from wood. The ones without a fan surface are called “tenarashi-kiougi.” Some sensu use plates of fragrant wood, such as sandalwood, for the fan surface.
Tessen (鉄扇):
Tessen is sensu made with black-finished iron for oyabone. Some have iron strips stacked on top of each other, and some have the shape of sensu but do not open. They became self-defence tools in places where swords could not be carried. The ones without a fan surface are called “tenarashi-tessen” (手慣らし鉄扇).
Tessen made of precious iron were very expensive and were rarely available to anyone other than high-ranking samurai.
Gunsen (軍扇):
It’s a sensu used by military commanders to give directions in the camp at wars. Oyabone are wide and sturdy, painted black, and the sun, moon, and stars tend to be drawn on the surface of the fan. For example, there is a sensu with the rising sun on the front and the moon on the back. The Big Dipper was popular When drawing stars. Gold and red pigments are used to create strong impact.
Gunsen has 12 hone (frames) and the length is 1 shaku 2 sun (approximately 36 cm). The length of the paper is 6 sun (approximately 18 cm), and the length of the string is 1 sun 5 bu (4.5 cm) including the hand strap. 5 sun (approximately 15.2 cm) is considered to be good size for the rising sun.
When a gunsen was made, a Shinto priest or a monk would offer a prayer. In addition to conveying orders to troops, gunsen were also used to invite the god of war on the battlefield and pray for victory. Gunsen are strongly associated with good luck and as a symbol of authority. Aside from battles, gunsen were also used in ceremonies, such as turning bad days into good ones.
A statue of Kumagai Nojiro Naozane, a military commander from the late Heian period (794-1185) to the early Kamakura period (1185-1333), is shown riding a horse and holding an open sensu in his hand.
Similar to gunsen are gunbai (軍配, gunbai uchiwa: 軍配団扇) and saihai (采配).
Maiougi (舞扇):
A sensu made as a prop in Japanese dance is called maiougi (舞扇). It’s sometimes called maisensu (舞扇子). Maiougi are used in traditional performing arts such as Noh, Kabuki and Japanese dance.
The basic material is the same as a regular sensu, but it has 10 hone (frames). Hone of maiougi may be painted jet black. Lead is placed near the kaname to make it easier to perform moves such as throwing the fan, or the “kaname-gaeshi,” in which sensu is held between the fingers to spin. To increase its strength, the surface of the fan is glued to the hone (frames) and tied with thread. Maiougi tend to be larger for visual effect on stage, and may have gorgeous designs and gold or silver leaf on the surface.
The general size of maiougi is 9.5 sun (approximately 29 cm). For men, it’s 1 shaku (approximately 30 cm). For kids, it’s 9 sun (approximately 27.5 cm). There are also rare maiougi that are 8 sun (approximately 24.5 cm) for small children.
Note that sensu other than maiougi may be useddepending on the show programme.
Hariougi (harisen, 張扇):
It’s a sensu for setting the tone by tapping it in traditional performing arts such as noh, rakugo (kamigata rakugo) and koudan (storytelling).
Hane-sensu (羽根扇子):
When Japanese sensu were introduced to Europe, hane-sensu were created. Bird feathers are used for the fan surface. They became popular among women of the upper class, such as aristocrats. Hane-sensu are very flashy, and are often held by dancers and used as props in stage performances.
Kinu-sensu (絹扇子):
It’s a high-quality sensu with silk on a fan surface. It has a glossy, smooth texture unique to silk. Kinu-sensu tend to be gorgeously decorated with embroidery etc.
Sensu for promotion:
Sensu with logos may be made to increase awareness of companies and businesses. Since they are used like business cards and flyers, they tend to be made at low cost using plastic and other materials.
Origami sensu (折り紙扇子):
When a square piece of paper is folded and multiple long, thin folds are added, it becomes sensu shape.
Kubaoji (クバ扇):
Kubaoji are made of different material and are not strictly sensu, but their pleated and expandable shape resembles a sensu.
They are made from the leaves of the palm tree Livistona latifolia (kuba), which grows wild on the Ryukyu Islands in the southwestern sea off the Japanese mainland. The leaves, which are originally fan-shaped, are dried and split in the middle into left and right. The outer periphery is then cut to shape.
Kubaoji are lightweight and have a large surface area, making it easy to create wind. They also have the rustic scent of natural leaves.
Kuba grows straight up to a height of approximately 15 metres. It’s said to be “the tree from which gods descend from heaven” and “the tree from which gods ascend to heaven.” In addition to fans, Kuba is used in Okinawa as a material for various crafts and necessities.
Akiougi (秋扇):
It’s a fan that is no longer used in autumn after summer has passed. In a poem written by Ban Jieyu, who had lost the favour of Emperor Cheng of China, she described herself as an autumn fan. However, this story dates back to before the invention of sensu.
Uses of Sensu
Convenient daily necessities:
The basic use of sensu is to create a breeze and cool down. Since summers in Japan are particularly hot and humid, sensu has long been a necessity to beat the heat. Even in the present day, many people carry sensu when going out or at outdoor events to make it more comfortable.
Masks:
Sensu can be used for covering the face and mouth in an emergency or hiding teeth when smiling. Nobles in the Heian period (794-1185) were already using them in this way.
Ornaments:
Sensu are highly valued as decorative items due to their beautiful appearance. They are an essential part of traditional Japanese clothing, and gorgeous sensu are used with formal attire such as furisode and tomesode. Also, they are also popular as room decorations.
Traditional crafts:
Sensu are traditional crafts, and their production requires sophisticated techniques. Skilled craftsmen apply intricate decorations.
Artwork:
Pictures and patterns are painted on the surface of the fans. In particular, during the Edo period (1603-1868), ukiyo-e prints became popular, and fans became more valuable as works of art.
Gifts:
Sensu were considered beautiful and auspicious, and white sensu were given as gifts during the New Year in the Edo period (1603-1868). It’s customary to distribute sensu at important performances in noh and rakugo.
They are still popular gifts in the present day. They are practical for keeping cool in the summer, making them ideal gifts for summer greetings and mid-year gifts.
Playing equipment:
During the Edo period (1603-1868), games such as “tousenkyou” (投扇興), “udesadame” (腕さだめ) and “sanbon-ougi” (三本扇) were played.
Go and shogi:
Go and shogi players sometimes repeat opening and closing a sensu in their hands while thinking deeply during a game.
Family crests and patterns:
Sensu are also used in family crests such as hiogimon (檜扇紋) and ougimon (扇紋).
Ougimon (扇紋) include “gohonbone-ougi” (五本骨扇), “gangi-ougi” (雁木扇), “senkotsu” (扇骨), and “jigami” (地紙).
Specific examples of hiogimon (f檜扇紋) include “Yamazaki-ougi” (山崎扇) and “Akita-ougi” (秋田扇).
Examples of ougimon (fan crests) include the “Shimabara-ougi” (島原扇), “Asano-ougi” (浅野扇), “Takasaki-ougi” (高崎扇) and “Satake-ougi” (佐竹扇). In addition to the “Takasaki-ougi” (高崎扇), there are many other family crests that combine 3 sensu in a circle shape. The “Satake-ougi” (佐竹扇) has a “sensu and moon” motif, but is also known as the “Rising sun fan.”
Sensu are used in a variety of designs other than family crests as well.
Agricultural crops:
Some leeks are named according to the season they are harvested, such as “Haruougi” (春扇), “Natsuougi” (夏扇), and “Fuyuougi” (冬扇). Leeks are somewhat similar in shape to a sense.
Plants and animals:
Plants and animals named for their resemblance to sensu include the “Hiougigai” (Mimachlamys nobilis), the “Hiougiayame” (Iris setosa), and the “Ougibashou” (Ravenala madagascariensis).
Pictures and patterns on Sensu
The surface of sensu has a unique fan shape, so the composition of the pictures and the patterns must be considered.
Sensu are often decorated with pictures and patterns of natural scenery and the elements of nature such as flowers, birds, wind, the moon and poems.
Traditional patterns such as geometric patterns are used on the surface of the fans, for example, asanoha (hemp leaf), shippou (the seven treasures), kikkou (tortoise shell).
Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, pine, bamboo, plum, chrysanthemums, snow, morning glories and wisteria are symbols of the four seasons. The scenery of each season is very tasteful.
Each animal, such as cranes, turtles, carp, tigers and rabbits, has a meaning of good luck, longevity, prosperity, etc.
There are also landscape paintings and ink paintings depicting natural beauty such as mountains, rivers, seas, waves, flowing water and bamboo forests. Mount Fuji appears frequently. Nature is often seen in pictures and patterns of sensu.
Gods, monsters and heroes that appear in Japanese myths and legends, such as Amaterasu Omikami, Yamata no Orochi, dragons and phoenixes, were also depicted.
Figures in history such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Musashibo Benkei were also depicted.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), popular culture flourished, and a variety of pictures and patterns appeared in addition to formal ones. Sensu with portraits of kabuki actors were popular as well. Also, Ukiyo-e prints by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige were used on sensu. Katsushika Hokusai left behind several pictures of sensu as well.
In this way, a genre of Japanese painting called ougi-e (fan picture) was born. The ougi-e of the painter Tawaraya Soutatsu are famous.
Also, family crests were popular among aristocrats and samurai.
In the present day, printing technology has developed, and a wide variety of pictures and patterns are used on sensu.
How to use Sensu
To cool yourself down, hold the fan in one hand and fan yourself to create a breeze.
With the fan surface open, lightly hold the kaname of the sensu and move your wrist.
Sudden opening and closing can cause it to break. Open and close it slowly and gently.
To remove dirt from the sensu, wipe it gently with a soft cloth. It’s best not to use water or alcohol because the fan surface of Japanese paper or silk is delicate.
When moving or storing for a long time, protect it in a special container to prevent damage. Also, avoid humid places when storing.
Sensu can be used for other purposes besides fanning. It’s worn as an ornament when wearing Japanese clothing such as a kimono or yukata. It’s used for ceremonial occasions as well.
In the tea ceremony, a sensu is placed in front of the knees and the head is bowed when greeting as a matter of etiquette. It creates a boundary between you and the other person as a symbol of courtesy and shows respect. In the tea ceremony, sensu is a symbolic thing, and it’s seldom fanned.
Sensu is an indispensable prop in Japanese dance. The movements of sensu are used in choreography to represent nature, such as flowers, birds and wind.
Structure of Sensu
Sensu is opened by pushing oyabone (親骨: outer frames) with the right thumb. It’s generally for right-handed people, but left-handed ones are available as well.
The angle of the fan shape is generally approximately 120 degrees, and ones with 90 to 180 degrees can be found as well. There are also special designs that open in a 360-degree circle shape.
Bamboo, the main material for sensu, is an environmentally friendly material. The part closer to the surface is more elastic, making it suitable for creating hone (frames) of sensu.
Senmen (扇面: fan surface):
It’s the flat surface that creates the wind. In addition to noriji (糊地) made from Japanese paper, silk is also used. In the present day, synthetic fibers can be used as well.
Hone (骨: frames):
Sensu can be broadly divided into senkotsu (扇骨: fan frames) and senmen (扇面: fan surface). Senkotsu (扇骨: fan frames) are mainly made of bamboo or wood. The two larger frames on both sides are called oyabone (親骨: outer frame) and the inner hone (frames) are called nakabone (中骨 or 仲骨: inner sticks).
There is no set number of senkotsu (扇骨: fan frames), but 11 is the norm in the present day. It’s said that they were 5 or 6 in the early days.
The material for the senmen (扇面: fan surface) is mainly paper or fabric. It’s attached to hone (骨: frames) and it creates wind when moved.
Kaname (要):
Kaname (要) is the axis of the senkotsu (扇骨: fan frames), and is an important element that controls opening and closing.
Kaname (要) is made of animal horns, tortoise shell, metal, bamboo, wood, etc.
The expression “kanjin-kaname” (肝心要: essential point) was born from sensu. In Japan, a baseball field is likened to the shape of a fan, and the catcher who sits at the kaname (要) is sometimes called kaname (要).
The kaname-ana (要穴: kaname hole) opened in the senkotsu (扇骨: fan frames) is where the kaname (要) passes through.
Seme (責: ring-shaped band):
Seme (charge) is a ring-shaped band that holds sensu in place, and is made from Japanese paper or fabric.
How to make Sensu
It’s said that there may be 88 processes in making sensu. Roughly speaking, there are 3 processes: “senkotsu” (扇骨: fan frames), “jigami” (地紙: base paper), and “tsuke” (つけ: attaching).
The selected hone (骨: frames) material is cut into strips and dried. In some cases, carving and decoration are added.
The hone (骨: frames) are assembled and fixed with the kaname (要). The kaname (要) is the axis, and is important for the smooth opening and closing of the sensu.
The senmen (扇面: fan surface) is made. The material (Japanese paper or silk) to be used for the senmen (扇面: fan surface) is selected. The material is thoroughly dried.
Then, the uwae (上絵: overpainting) is applied to the fan-shaped paper. A picture or pattern is drawn as appropriate.
The nakabone (中骨 or 仲骨: inner sticks) are inserted into the “jigami” (地紙: base paper).
The senmen (扇面: fan surface) is attached to the oyabone (親骨: outer frames) and the shape is adjusted.
Then, the sensu is completed.
How to make Sensu: What’s the difference between Kyoto and Tokyo? (More details)
Kyo Sensu and Edo Sensu
Kyo sensu and Edo sensu are representative traditional Japanese sensu.
Kyo Sensu:
Sensu were born in Kyoto during the Heian period (794-1185), and Kyo sensu developed there over a long period of time. The Azumi River basin in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, close to Kyoto, is the centre of bamboo senkotsu (扇骨: fan frames) in Japan.
At the time, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, where the imperial family and aristocrats lived, and was the centre of politics and culture. Ceremonies, tea ceremonies and traditional performing arts were held there, and elegant and gorgeously decorated sensu were popular.
Also, Kyo sensu tend to have a narrow fold. The fan surface is mainly made of Japanese paper or silk. Flowers and birds are painted on the fan surface, and gold and silver leaf are used.
The production process, such as making the hone (骨: frames), making the senmen (扇面: fan surface), painting, and assembling the fan surface and hone (骨: frames), is divided into different processes, with multiple craftsmen in charge of each process.
Edo sensu:
When the Tokugawa Shogunate was established in Edo (Tokyo) and flourished, sensu craftsmen from Kyoto came to Edo.
Edo sensu developed in Edo (Tokyo). During the Edo period (1603-1868), Edo culture flourished.
Edo sensu are made from slightly harder bamboo than Kyo sensu, and tend to have wider folds. They are simple and sturdy with less decoration.
The senmen (扇面: fan surface) is mainly made of Japanese paper. Witty caricatures and simple ukiyo-e prints are often drawn on the senmen (扇面: fan surface).
Basically, one craftsman is responsible for almost all processes of the production. Sometimes the pictures and patterns on the senmen (扇面: fan surface) were created by painters.
Edo sensu, which are also indispensable in rakugo, create a chic atmosphere.
Roots of Sensu
Sensu is thought to have been invented in Japan.
The first to appear was the hiougi (檜扇). It’s made mainly of Japanese cypress.
It’s made by stacking mokkan (wooden tablets on which characters are written) and bundling them together with holes drilled into the ends. The mokkan are connected with string so that they can be opened and closed.
It’s said that the oldest surviving hiougi (檜扇) was excavated from a ruin of the Nara period (710-794).
After that, the kawahoriougi (蝙蝠扇) appeared. It’s a paper fan made of 5 or 6 thin hone (骨: frames) with paper pasted on one side.
Roots of Sensu: Twists added at the Kyoto Imperial Court (More details)
The spread and development of Sensu
Sensu, which originated in Japan, have spread all over the world. They have merged with the cultures of China, other Asian countries, Europe and many other regions, and many different types of sensu have appeared.
The spread and development of Sensu: From Japan to the world (More details)
The relationship between Sensu and Occidental Art
Sensu were introduced to the West in the late 16th century. They were then accepted by the upper classes throughout Europe, and Occidental-style sensu were born. Many artists were also enthusiastic about sensu as works of Oriental art.
Sensu, which originated in Japan, and Occidental art influenced each other.
The relationship between Sensu and Occidental Art: Interaction of Japan and Europe (More details)
Surprising similarities of Sensu and Makisu: Traditional Japanese tools
What is Makisu? The rolling utensil that spread with sushi
Author: Takuya Nagata. Amazon Profile
Follow @nagatackleA novel writer and creator. Graduated from UCA, the UK’s university. Discussed Japanese minimalism in the senior thesis. Founder of “MINIRISM” (minirism), the art movement that contributes to the development of societies, such as ecology and lifestyle. Later opened the knowledge hub “The Minimalist.”
Once travelled to Brazil and trained football at CFZ do Rio (Centro de Futebol Zico Sociedade Esportiva) in Rio de Janeiro. Played soccer for the Urawa Reds (Urawa Red Diamonds), one of the biggest football clubs in Japan, and toured Europe. Retired at a young age and voyaged alone to England. Established careers as a journalist, football coach, consultant, etc. across Europe such as Spain. The founder of “Propulsive Football” (PROBALL), the world’s first-ever competitive mixed football, facilitating diversity and spirit for equal participation in society.
Knowledgeable in creative and technology fields as well. Launched the SPACE Culture & Entertainment hub “The Space-Timer 0.”
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