These handcrafted Edo folding fans feature the timeless beauty of the moon, a symbol deeply rooted in Japanese culture. For centuries, the moon has been admired in poetry, art, and festivals, embodying reflection, transience, and emotional depth. Holding one of these fans connects you to that heritage, blending tradition with refined artistry.
Each fan is made using the Karakami woodblock printing technique, where handmade Japanese kozo washi paper is carefully dyed and decorated with metallic foil. The surface incorporates fossil coral, believed to carry antibacterial qualities, merging natural materials with symbolic meaning. The colors (rich purple from shiso leaves or deep black from natural ink) carry both elegance and quiet strength.
The moon is depicted in both crescent and full forms, finished with either gold leaf or silver leaf. Gold reflects prosperity and vitality, while silver carries a serene, spiritual quality. Together, they capture shifting phases of the lunar cycle, offering a design that feels both protective and contemplative.
The fan ribs are made of boiled black bamboo, giving durability and contrast to the luminous fan face. Lightweight at only 20 grams, each piece is easy to carry and practical for everyday use or ceremonial occasions.
Cultural Value and Symbolism
In Japan, folding fans are more than tools for cooling. They represent life’s unfolding journey, luck, and the connection between nature and human spirit. The moon motif enhances this symbolism, evoking a sense of seasonal awareness and appreciation for fleeting beauty.
These fans are not mass-produced. They are the result of collaboration between Hiroko Tanino of Handmade Paper Tanino, who creates the original washi, and Yoshiko Fukatsu, fifth-generation owner of the Unkindo Fukatsu Folding Fan Store in Tokyo, who completes the fan using Edo traditions passed down for over a century.
Variants
1. Full Moon (Purple, Gold Leaf) - Shiso-dyed paper with golden full moon design.
2. Full Moon (Purple, Silver Leaf) - Shiso-dyed paper with silver full moon design.
3. Crescent Moon (Black, Gold Leaf) - Black-dyed paper with golden crescent moon.
4. Crescent Moon (Purple, Gold Leaf) - Purple paper with golden crescent moon.
5. Crescent Moon (Purple, Silver Leaf) - Purple paper with silver crescent moon.
Specifications
Maker: KEIBIFUGETSU
Technique: Karakami woodblock printing
Material: Kozo washi paper (fan surface), bamboo (fan ribs, boiled black)
Size: L9.06 in. (23 cm)
Weight: Fan 0.04 lbs (20 g), Fan bag 0.02 lbs (8 g)
Accessories: Comes with a Tango Chirimen cloth case (moon motif) and a paulownia wooden azekura box for safekeeping.
Design Note: Metallic foil naturally changes color over time, adding depth and character.
Delivery: 1-2 weeks (additional 1-3 weeks if out of stock).
Storage: Includes “seme” fastener to keep the fan closed when not in use.
Suggested Use
Perfect as a personal hand fan, a decorative display piece, or a cultural gift for occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or seasonal festivals. These fans embody both functional beauty and spiritual meaning, making them timeless keepsakes.
