Pop Japan

The uchiwa or the hard-bound fans of Japan are said to have been brought from China around the 6th century. By the 9th century, the sensu or the traditional Japanese folding fans are said to have been invented. The fans were said to have been initially used as accompaniment to the akome, a kind of dress usually worn by court women. Because of its association with the dress, it had become known as akomeogi. The Japanese fans had gained popularity ever since, even being brought to China as important gifts to the court.

Photo by Tomomarusan. Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)

Tags: uchiwa, japan, china, akome, akomeogi, japanese fan, hard bound fan, imperial gift