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Fans
The fan is a harmonious addition to the traditional Japanese costume. In the summer it is very hot in both regions of Japan, so the fan which gives coolness and freshness became an integral accessory for all Japanese people. But the use of fans was not limited to this. In the past there existed ceremonial fans, such as, for example, hiogi fans carved from cypress plates, or small rikyu-ogi fans for tea ceremonies. Fans could replace batons of military commanders (gumbai-utiwa) or secret weapons (tessen – fans with sharp iron spokes). There still exist special theatrical and dancing fans (mayogi). Fans can be purely decorative, or can be used as a memorable gift or even as carriers of advertisement.
There are two main shapes of fans: folding fans (ogi, bombori, suehiro) and non-folding (utiwa) whose framework is made from a split bamboo joint an is lined with paper or silk. At present fans of any forms are referred to as sensu.
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