[UCHIWA]

History

It is said that Uchiwa (fan) was already in existence in China in the 3rd century B.C. And in Egypt ,it was described in the cemetery surface of a wall of Ramses . It was introduced into Japan around the 6-7th century. The form that it was made by breaking a bamboo to use as a bone was born around the 16-17th century. After that the bright fan printed in many colors was made in various places. In the Sengoku period, many generals used a ruling fan for command in camp. When Edo period came, bamboo ware and paper milling prospered, the fan was made in large quantities, and it spread widely. Many generals used a military fan (Gunyou Uchiwa) for command in camp.

Purposes

When Uchiwa was introduced in Japan, it was a tool to clear away an evil spirit. In addition, it is used for preventing a solar light or avoiding dust. Moreover, it is used also for formal things, such as a festival. And it was used among aristocrats as accessories that hide a face during the Heian and the Nara period. In the Sengoku period, the military fan (Gunyou Uchiwa) was the tool that protects the body, when attacked by the enemy. This fan was made with iron or strong lather, and iron handle was given. After the 16th century, Uchiwa became to be used in order to start a wind and to make it cool. At late Edo period, the exchange of presents of the congratulatory gift Uchiwa of a tray or a midyear present became prosperous. These customs continued just till recently. A fan is also an advertisement medium.

Kinds

Nowadays there are many kinds of Uchiwa. For example, Marukame Uchiwa.It is specified to be the traditional handicraft of Japan. The annual quantity of production of the present Marugame Uchiwa forms 90% of national production. And there are also Nara Uchiwa, Kyo Uchiwa, Edo Uchiwa, etc.

Written by Mayumi

Last updated 6-Dec-2001