folding fan

A folding fan is a handheld device used for cooling or as a decorative accessory. It consists of pleats mounted on sticks, allowing it to open and close. While rigid fans have ancient origins, the folding fan is believed to have been invented in the Far East, possibly Japan, around the 7th century CE.1

These fans were brought to Europe in larger quantities by Portuguese traders in the 15th century and became increasingly popular. In East Asia, particularly China and Japan, fan painting was a significant art form, with many renowned painters contributing to fan decoration. In Europe, fan painting was often considered a lesser art until the 17th century, with designs frequently adapted from other existing artworks.12