These handcrafted Japanese folding fans (sensu) are made using karakami woodblock printing on handmade kozo washi paper. Each fan highlights the beauty of the moon through traditional craftsmanship, blending natural materials and cultural symbolism. The moon, a central motif in Japanese art and poetry, is a symbol of reflection, impermanence, and connection with nature.
The fans are made in collaboration with skilled artisans:
Paper: Created by Hiroko Tanino of Handmade Paper Tanino, using original KEIBIFUGETSU washi. Fossil coral, known for antibacterial properties, is embedded into the paper.
Fan Construction: Hand-assembled by Yoshiko Fukatsu, the fifth-generation master of Unkindo Fukatsu Folding Fan Store, which carries on the Edo folding fan tradition.
Materials: Kozo washi paper surface, bamboo ribs (dyed and boiled black), Tango Chirimen cloth case with a moon motif, and paulownia azekura-style storage box.
These fans are not only practical summer items but also carry deep cultural value, often cherished as gifts, collectibles, or as part of traditional dress. The moon imagery, whether in gold leaf or silver leaf, evokes a sense of elegance, purity, and timeless beauty.
Variants
1. Full Moon (White) - Gold Leaf
A radiant full moon rendered in gold leaf, shining on pure white paper. Represents abundance, clarity, and completeness.
2. Crescent Moon (White) - Gold Leaf
A golden crescent moon across white washi. Symbolizes renewal, beginnings, and the passage of time.
3. Full Moon (White) - Silver Leaf
A luminous full moon in silver leaf. Reflects calm, subtle elegance, and quiet introspection.
Size & Weight
Length: 9.06 in. (23 cm)
Weight: Fan: 0.04 lbs (20 g) | Fan bag: 0.02 lbs (8 g)
Fan bag size: L25 × W5 cm
Additional Details
Storage: Comes with a Tango Chirimen case featuring a moon motif.
Box: Delivered in a paulownia azekura-style box for safekeeping.
Seme: A closure feature prevents the fan from opening when not in use.
Aging: Gold and silver foil naturally change color over time, adding character.
Delivery Time: 1-2 weeks (if out of stock, add 1-3 weeks).
In Japan, the moon has long been admired in poetry, tea ceremony, and seasonal celebrations such as Tsukimi (moon-viewing). The full moon is linked to harmony and wholeness, while the crescent moon embodies growth and the cycles of life. Carrying a fan with these motifs allows the user to hold a piece of this tradition, blending art, utility, and symbolism.
