Lacquer fan – a product of the combination of float lacquer technique and ancient style fan, lacquer art fan, which uses lacquer as a pen and fan as a painting to experience the charm of Chinese lacquer art. In China, the use of lacquer has a history of 8000 years. China is the country that invented and used lacquerware earliest in the world. From the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties, China’s lacquerware craftsmanship continued to develop and reached a very high level. Float paint is a type of lacquer craft that produces items with diverse patterns and vibrant colors.
The origin of lacquer fans can be traced back to ancient China. As early as the Eastern Han Dynasty, lacquerware had already become an important handicraft. As a common daily item, fans naturally combine with lacquerware to form the unique art form of lacquer fans. The production technology of lacquer fans reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty and became a treasured collection of the court and nobility. As a part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, lacquer fans have gained widespread recognition and protection for their unique production techniques and artistic value.
The production of lacquer fans requires multiple processes, including material selection, skeleton making, primer application, and painting. Firstly, material selection is a crucial step, and high-quality woods such as elm and maple are usually used. Then, according to the shape and size of the fan, bones are made, usually using bamboo or thin and tough wooden strips. Next, apply a primer on the fan bones, usually black or red, to enhance the texture and durability of the fan. Finally, painting is the essence of lacquer fans. Painting can be done according to different themes and patterns, such as landscapes, flowers and birds, and figures. Painting requires delicacy and precision, and requires multiple brushing and drying processes to achieve the final effect.
The process of making lacquer fans
- Prepare a basin of water that can soak the fan and has different colored paints.
- Select 2 to 3 colors, first pour one color paint (main color) into water as the base color, then drip in other colors paint, and slowly stir the pattern with a stick.
- Slowly rotate from top to bottom to fully immerse the fan in water, and the final pattern will vary depending on the color and pattern.
- After fully immersing the fan, quickly lift it up, air dry it, and complete the production.
The lacquer fan carries the aesthetic concept of traditional Chinese culture, like the changing clouds, fully displaying the poetic and picturesque feeling. In addition, lacquer fans are also a symbol of identity for ancient Chinese literati and poets, embodying their personal cultural interests.
