The Chinese fan is not just an accessory, it is a symbol of the culture, art and traditions of China, which represents harmony, greatness and aesthetics. It has a long and fascinating history, rooted in antiquity, and has gained special significance in Chinese culture over the centuries of its evolution. The Chinese fan was not only a practical item used to protect against the heat, but also a status symbol, an integral part of art and even spiritual heritage. In this article, we take a closer look at the history of the Chinese fan, its varieties, symbolism and role in China's culture.
1. Origin of the Chinese fan
1.1 Early Fan Shapes
The Chinese fan was originally created for practical purposes such as sun protection and heat. The history of the fan begins in the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BC). e.), when the Chinese used fans made of cane, feathers or plant materials.
- At this time, the fans were quite simple and served, first of all, to protect against heat and insects. However, already in the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), the fan begins to take on more complex forms, decorated with decorative elements and symbols.
1.2 Fan Evolution in the Tang and Song Dynasty Era
The culmination of the development of the Chinese fan came during the era of the Tang dynasty (618-907), when the fan became not only a symbol of class difference, but also an object of art. During the Tang and Song dynasties (960-1279), the fan became an integral accessory at court, as well as among aristocracy, intellectuals and artists.
- During this period, the Chinese fan ceases to be an exclusively functional subject and becomes an object for drawings and inscriptions, which gives it additional aesthetic and cultural significance.
2. Types of Chinese fans
2.1 Vertical and horizontal fans
There are several types of fans in Chinese culture, and the two main types are vertical and horizontal fans. Each of them has its own purpose and symbolism.
- The vertical fan (or palm fan) is usually made of reeds and has the shape of a rectangular web. It is often used for decoration and souvenirs, and as an element of official dress in celebrations and ceremonies.
- A horizontal fan is a fan with flat wooden or bamboo strips connected by silk fabrics. This type of fan was often used to produce finer and more refined drawings and inscriptions, such as calligraphic works or paintings.
2.2 Hauling and folding fan
The drag fan, also known as the zang, was used as a portable accessory and was often decorated with fabric or pictures depicting Chinese motifs such as dragons, lotus flowers and phoenix. It was the main fan type in Chinese culture before folding fans.
- A folding fan (or samurai fan) appeared in China in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and gained popularity in Japan. Folding fans became widely used as a compact accessory that could be carried comfortably in your pocket.
3. Chinese fan symbolism
3.1 Fan as a Symbol of Status and Power
Over time, the Chinese fan became an important element of status and power. A fan with images of dragons, landscapes or calligraphic works was considered a luxurious item that only representatives of high society could afford.
- The fan was not only a luxury item, but also a means of self-expression. It served to demonstrate social standing, and was often used by intellectuals, poets, and artists as a way to show their finesse and cultural level.
3.2 Fan as a Symbol of Harmony and Strength
In Chinese philosophy, the fan also symbolizes harmony and balance. Its curved shape represents the unity of heaven and earth, and its use in Chinese calligraphy and painting is part of the philosophy of yin and yang.
- Veer, in addition to his aesthetic functions, was associated with the philosophy of Taoism and Confucianism, where he symbolized calm, harmony and appeasement.
4. The role of the Chinese fan in culture and art
4.1 Fan as a Subject of Art
Chinese fans have become not only utilitarian objects, but also real works of art. In the Chinese tradition, fans were decorated with calligraphy, painting and embroidery, which makes them real masterpieces of decorative art.
- Veer was also an important element in theater and Chinese opera, where actors used the fan as part of their costume and a means of expressing emotions. In this context, the fan served not only as an accessory, but also as a tool for acting.
4.2 Modern Chinese Fan Usage
Today, Chinese fans continue to be an important part of Chinese culture. They are used on holidays, cultural events, and have also become popular as souvenirs and gifts for tourists. Modern craftsmen continue to create unique design fans, combining traditional elements with modern trends.
- Fans are also used in modern art, where they serve metaphorical beauty, harmony and the past, which continues to influence modern society.
Conclusion
The Chinese fan is not just an accessory, but also a symbol of Chinese philosophy, culture and history. It represents harmony, balance and appeasement and continues to be an important part of Chinese culture and art. From ancient dynasties to modern times, the Chinese fan has evolved but retains its significance as a symbol of class difference, aesthetics and expression.
1. Origin of the Chinese fan
1.1 Early Fan Shapes
The Chinese fan was originally created for practical purposes such as sun protection and heat. The history of the fan begins in the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BC). e.), when the Chinese used fans made of cane, feathers or plant materials.
- At this time, the fans were quite simple and served, first of all, to protect against heat and insects. However, already in the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), the fan begins to take on more complex forms, decorated with decorative elements and symbols.
1.2 Fan Evolution in the Tang and Song Dynasty Era
The culmination of the development of the Chinese fan came during the era of the Tang dynasty (618-907), when the fan became not only a symbol of class difference, but also an object of art. During the Tang and Song dynasties (960-1279), the fan became an integral accessory at court, as well as among aristocracy, intellectuals and artists.
- During this period, the Chinese fan ceases to be an exclusively functional subject and becomes an object for drawings and inscriptions, which gives it additional aesthetic and cultural significance.
2. Types of Chinese fans
2.1 Vertical and horizontal fans
There are several types of fans in Chinese culture, and the two main types are vertical and horizontal fans. Each of them has its own purpose and symbolism.
- The vertical fan (or palm fan) is usually made of reeds and has the shape of a rectangular web. It is often used for decoration and souvenirs, and as an element of official dress in celebrations and ceremonies.
- A horizontal fan is a fan with flat wooden or bamboo strips connected by silk fabrics. This type of fan was often used to produce finer and more refined drawings and inscriptions, such as calligraphic works or paintings.
2.2 Hauling and folding fan
The drag fan, also known as the zang, was used as a portable accessory and was often decorated with fabric or pictures depicting Chinese motifs such as dragons, lotus flowers and phoenix. It was the main fan type in Chinese culture before folding fans.
- A folding fan (or samurai fan) appeared in China in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and gained popularity in Japan. Folding fans became widely used as a compact accessory that could be carried comfortably in your pocket.
3. Chinese fan symbolism
3.1 Fan as a Symbol of Status and Power
Over time, the Chinese fan became an important element of status and power. A fan with images of dragons, landscapes or calligraphic works was considered a luxurious item that only representatives of high society could afford.
- The fan was not only a luxury item, but also a means of self-expression. It served to demonstrate social standing, and was often used by intellectuals, poets, and artists as a way to show their finesse and cultural level.
3.2 Fan as a Symbol of Harmony and Strength
In Chinese philosophy, the fan also symbolizes harmony and balance. Its curved shape represents the unity of heaven and earth, and its use in Chinese calligraphy and painting is part of the philosophy of yin and yang.
- Veer, in addition to his aesthetic functions, was associated with the philosophy of Taoism and Confucianism, where he symbolized calm, harmony and appeasement.
4. The role of the Chinese fan in culture and art
4.1 Fan as a Subject of Art
Chinese fans have become not only utilitarian objects, but also real works of art. In the Chinese tradition, fans were decorated with calligraphy, painting and embroidery, which makes them real masterpieces of decorative art.
- Veer was also an important element in theater and Chinese opera, where actors used the fan as part of their costume and a means of expressing emotions. In this context, the fan served not only as an accessory, but also as a tool for acting.
4.2 Modern Chinese Fan Usage
Today, Chinese fans continue to be an important part of Chinese culture. They are used on holidays, cultural events, and have also become popular as souvenirs and gifts for tourists. Modern craftsmen continue to create unique design fans, combining traditional elements with modern trends.
- Fans are also used in modern art, where they serve metaphorical beauty, harmony and the past, which continues to influence modern society.
Conclusion
The Chinese fan is not just an accessory, but also a symbol of Chinese philosophy, culture and history. It represents harmony, balance and appeasement and continues to be an important part of Chinese culture and art. From ancient dynasties to modern times, the Chinese fan has evolved but retains its significance as a symbol of class difference, aesthetics and expression.