The earliest known hand fans in China were aide-mounted woven bamboo hand fans from the 2nd Century B.C.E. Screen hand fans have been in use in China since the 12th Century B.C.E. when they were used in warfare and not as fashionable cooling implements. These early hand fans were made out of feathers, silk, and ivory and often featured artistic motifs of gods, birds, and animals.

The folding fan was a Japanese innovation first appearing in 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.

Our hand fans come in all colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. Personalized Hand Fans for special occasions or as gifts are also available. Look through our large selections of paper lanterns and paper parasols and umbrellas as well.