Folding Fan Item Number: Ed1.193 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A closing fan with twenty-seven inner ribs of split bamboo each with an abstract design burned on the base of each side and two parent ribs of bamboo also with burned designs while one end of each is set into a piece of dark rosewood through which is passed a brass rivet. Fan covered with light brown paper on one side and painted with a landscape scene and six characters. Upper edge is covered with very sticky cellophane tape.
History Of Use
Folding fans were used by members of the official “Yangban” class, and sometimes by women of other classes. Korean folding fans were very well-made, and were exported to China and Japan during the Koryo and Chosun Periods. Some had a large number of fine ribs.
Iconographic Meaning
The fact that the paper was oiled with the oil of round sesame seeds indicates that the fan was used by a scholar. Bats of the ribs of the fan symbolize good fortune. Other symbols on the fan represent long life.
Item History
- Made in Korea before 1935
- Collected before 1935
- Owned by Marion Stephan
- Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 10, 1977
- Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 10, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Korean
- Previous Owner
- Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
- Received from
- Charles H. Stephan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Korea
When
- Creation Date
- before 1935
- Collection Date
- before 1935
- Ownership Date
- before January 10, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on January 10, 1977
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0352/0031