About Kyo Sensu
Kyo Sensu are folding fans produced in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Said to have originated around 877 in the Heian period from 'hiougi,' wooden fans made from bundled wooden tablets, later evolving into paper fans. A sophisticated craft completed through the division of labor among multiple specialist craftspeople covering rib processing, paper creation, painting, and assembly. They developed as indispensable items for traditional Japanese performing arts including Noh, Kyogen, tea ceremony, and Japanese dance. Still widely used today from weddings and ceremonies to gifts and everyday cooling.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 宮脇賣扇庵
- 京都市伝統産業ふれあい館 hands-on experience