At the heart of Jianghuai Chinese culture, Anhui folding fans are celebrated for their harmonious blend of durability and artistry. Resilient bamboo or wood ribs form a sturdy frame, while finely pleated silk or paper unfolds into a canvas for hand-painted landscapes, blossoms, and calligraphy.
Every step in crafting these fans speaks to time-honored precision. Artisans select each rib for flexibility, then pleat and bind the panels by hand. The surface becomes a miniature scroll, its minutiae reflecting the refined tastes once prized by scholars.
But the beauty of an Anhui folding fan extends beyond its form. To open and close the fan is to engage in a graceful ritual, one that transforms simple airflow into an expressive gesture. Each movement carries the cultural essence of Jianghuai tradition, connecting past and present with a flick of the wrist.
Today, these fans are treasured not only as functional tools against the heat, but as art pieces and collectible symbols of heritage. From workshop to collector's shelf, Anhui folding fans continue to unfold their elegant story, one delicate fold at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
