Guanpu Oil Fan

Guanpu Oil Fan

　　The uniquely styled Guanpu oil paper fan can be called “a unique wonder of China.” Its production generally involves five steps: first, selecting materials—choosing evenly shaped bamboo strips and cutting them according to the fan’s diameter; second, making the fan ribs—first “splitting the strands,” then “peeling the white” to leave the green, threading a bamboo strip to form the “rib,” and connecting the ends of the green strands with fine thread to create the rib structure; third, mounting the paper; fourth, inscribing poetry and painting artwork; fifth, applying oil and drying.

　　 The Guanpu oil paper fan has evolved into a unique local folk tradition. In the past, in Fu’an, oil fans were an indispensable gift for weddings and celebrations.

　　　Before electric fans became widespread, oil fans were also essential for keeping cool in summer. In Fu’an, Guanpu Village in the northern part of the city is the sole producer of this traditional product.

　　　　Making this type of fan requires selecting evenly growing, moderately sized bamboo with relatively sparse nodes and appropriately thick yet pliable culms. Particular attention is paid to leaving extra length for the handle section, the top of which must align precisely with a bamboo node. Next comes “splitting the strands”—turning the upper section of the bamboo above the handle into fine strips, then removing the “white” (inner skin) of the bamboo strips to leave only the “green” (outer skin). Small holes are then drilled on either side of the node just above the handle, through which a slightly thicker bamboo strip is threaded to serve as the “fan shoulder,” with its length roughly half the circumference of the fan. Fine threads are then used to sequentially connect the ends and middle sections of these green strips, fastening them securely at both ends of the fan shoulder and tightening them so that the ends curve into a bow shape. Thanks to the elasticity of the fan shoulder, this forms a circular “well,” with the top of the well located precisely at the node where the handle intersects the fan shoulder. This completes the fan’s framework.

　　　　The next step is mounting the paper. The paper used is “cotton paper,” which has good water absorption and toughness. During mounting, the fan face is first covered, then dried before the back of the fan is mounted. Afterward, a dry palm fiber brush is used to smooth both sides of the fan, which is then dried again and trimmed with sharp scissors. This produces the initial form of the fan.

　　　　Then comes beautification and oiling. Beautification involves painting simple flowers, plants, insects, or fish on the fan surface, or writing elegant phrases such as “A gentle breeze drifts by,” “A peaceful heart,” or “Lotus leaves stretch far and wide.” The calligraphy and paintings are all in black ink, with some floral designs accented sparingly in red, yellow, blue, or green. This is the perfect opportunity for folk painters and calligraphers to showcase their artistic talents, transforming the fan—a daily household item—into a work of art. Some literati and refined scholars even custom-order fans as gifts for relatives and friends, often personally penning poems or painting artwork, thus elevating the artistic value even higher. After beautification, the oil is applied. Once the oil dries, the finished oil fan is complete. When summer arrives, everyone owns a beloved fan inscribed with their favorite “elegant lines.” Just a glance brings comfort, and the summer heat naturally fades by half. I still remember a common fan poem from my childhood:

　　　　The fan is always in hand, five dragons swaying to summon a cool breeze;

　　　　The heat fades, people feel joyful, this summer is spent in carefree ease.

　　　　This type of fan is known for its strong airflow, durability, and multifunctionality. Adults prefer larger fans with diameters around 40 centimeters—they can be used to fan air, provide shade, shoo away mosquitoes and flies, and even scratch an itch. When going shopping without a basket, one could even carry purchases home in the fan. Young women, on the other hand, favor smaller fans, about 20 centimeters in diameter—truly “dainty and exquisite.” Elders say that in the old days, there was also a type of “tribute fan,” exquisitely crafted, with cloud-cut paper patterns embellishing the lower part of the fan face and colorful tassels adorning the end of the handle—extremely elegant.

　　　　The Guanpu oil fan has even become a symbol of Fu’an: carrying one when visiting other places immediately identifies you as someone from Fu’an or having come from there.

　　　　Interestingly, this fan has also given rise to a unique folk custom. In the past, in Fu’an, oil fans were an essential wedding gift, with every relative of the bride receiving one; and fans of all sizes—large, medium, and small—were required to be included, symbolizing multiple generations of the family living together under one roof. Fans continued to be gifted even after the wedding: Han families sent them for three years, while She families sent them for one. According to Fu’an custom, during the annual Dragon Boat Festival, the maternal family would give gifts to their married daughters—“sending the festival.” The first day of the fifth lunar month saw the most gift-giving, and on this day, Guanpu Village was especially lively. Red cloth bags and red gift baskets were filled with new clothes for children to celebrate the festival, along with oil fans of all sizes. They also carried the grandmother’s love for her granddaughter and the mother’s blessings for her daughter. Though this custom is not as widespread, traditional, or “ritually complete” as it once was, we can still feel the deep familial affection and the heartfelt wish for a harmonious and happy life.

　　　　In recent years, fewer people use fans, but the people of Fu’an have not forgotten them. The people of Guanpu continue to make the oil fans “passed down through their ancestors,” and they intend to keep doing so for generations to come.