rigid fan

A rigid fan is a handheld accessory with a handle and a fixed leaf, used for cooling, air circulation, or ceremonial purposes. Unlike folding fans, rigid fans do not collapse. Historically, early fans were all rigid, often shaped like leaves or feathers, and used in various cultures for practical and ritualistic functions. Examples include the Egyptian feather fans and the medieval Christian flabellum. In China and Japan, fans, both rigid and folding, held significant cultural importance, with elaborate decorations often created by renowned artists. While the rigid fan was common in China until the Sung dynasty, the folding fan gained popularity later. Rigid fans also appeared in Europe, sometimes resembling small flags, and were used during the Renaissance.1