Sensu, which originated in Japan, have evolved in their own way over time. They have spread around the world and blended with the cultures of geographical regions such as China, Asian countries, Europe, etc., resulting in the appearance of various sensu.
Sensu spread all over the world
China:
Sensu were introduced to China during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). When sensu were invented in Japan, the paper on the fan surface was only attached to one side. In China, folding fans, called folding fan (折扇), came to have paper attached to both sides. They were brought to Japan as tousen (唐扇: Chinese fans) during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).
Sensu with further improvements on tousen (唐扇: Chinese fans) were exported from Japan to China again and became popular. Sensu were also treasured by the Chinese upper-class and the imperial court, and came to be used in Confucianism and Taoism.
Asia:
Sensu were also introduced to the Korean Peninsula, which lies between Japan and China. Sensu also spread to Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam and Thailand, where they were used in the hot and humid local daily life, and came to be used in dance, traditional performing arts and religious events as well.
Nanban trade:
Sensu were introduced to Europe by the Portuguese who visited Japan in the 16th century.
Sensu also became popular in Spain, which, like Portugal, engaged in the Nanban trade with Japan. Abanicos, fans used in the famous flamenco dance, are characterised by their very flashy and vibrant colours that are so typical of Spain.
Sensu soon spread to Italy, which had strong ties with Spain.
France:
Sensu became popular among the French aristocracy and wealthy from the 17th to 18th centuries. Women used sensu in combination with gestures to communicate, almost like sign language. Sometimes they used sensu to confess their feelings to the persons in mind or to convey secret messages.
Fans became a fashion item for women at the Palace of Versailles and in social settings in France. It’s said that there were 150 sensu shops in Paris at that time.
In France, elegant fans were made using every conceivable luxury material. Silk, satin, taffeta, lace, bird feathers, calfskin, kid goat leather, and lamb leather were used for the fan surfaces. Mother of pearl, white mother of pearl, tortoise shell, animal horn, and precious metals such as gold and silver were used for the fan frames. Embroidery, carving, enamel, sequins, varnish, and gemstones were used for decoration.
Great Britain:
In the 18th century, sensu became popular in the UK as well. Sensu became a must-have for women in British society during the Victorian era (1837-1901). The reason why sensu became popular later than in Spain and France may be that the UK expanded into the world later than Spain and that the climate was cooler. In English literature of the time, sensu are depicted as a symbol of feminine charm and elegance.
America:
Sensu were brought to America by immigrants from Europe and were popular among upper-class women.
What is Sensu? The foldable fan originating in Japan
Roots of Sensu: Twists added at the Kyoto Imperial Court
The relationship between Sensu and Occidental Art: Interaction of Japan and Europe
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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