The hand fan has a rich history that dates back many centuries. The earliest-known hand fans in China were aide-mounted, woven bamboo hand fans from the 2 nd century B.C.E. Screen hand fans have been in use in China since the 12 th century B.C.E., when they were used for warfare, not as the fashionable cooling implements that they later became. These early hand fans were made out of feathers, silk, and ivory and often featured artistic motifs of gods, birds, and animals. Asian Ideas offers hand fans in all colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. We also offer kimonos, home décor items, party supplies, and bath and spa items.

The folding fan was a Japanese innovation that first appeared as part of a depiction of a Japanese god of happiness. Between 900 and 960 B.C.E., the Chinese adopted it and spread the use of folding fans to Europe and the rest of Asia. Eventually, hand fans came to be important indicators of social status across the globe. Today, hand fans are perfect home decoration items and Chinese wedding favors.

Our large selection of hand fans includes personalized hand fans for special occasions or as gifts and Japanese wedding favors. Please look through our selection of paper lanterns and paper parasols as well. Experience new cultures and customs using items from Asian Ideas.