Xinhui Palm-Leaf Fans

Xinhui Palm-Leaf Fans

　　Xinhui is now a district of Jiangmen City in Guangdong Province. Historically known for its production of palm leaves, it has also been called the "Hometown of Palm Leaves." The palm leaves from Xinhui are large, uncracked, with round and even stems, fine and uniform ribs, smooth luster, and lightweight texture.

　　According to the *Xinhui County Annals*, over 1,600 years ago, both high-ranking officials and ordinary people loved using Xinhui palm-leaf fans to keep cool. There were distinctions between refined and ordinary fans, with the refined ones further decorated and painted. The leftover leaf scraps from fan-making could also be processed into various items such as straw raincoats, mats, and sitting pads.

　　According to the *History of Ming*, during the Ming Dynasty, the palm-leaf fan handicraft industry developed rapidly. Palm-leaf fans became a best-selling product with highly refined craftsmanship, and were even presented as tribute to the imperial court. As early as the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, Xinhui palm-leaf fans were already sold across the country.

　　After the liberation, with strong support from the local government, the palm-leaf industry saw significant development, with improvements in both the output and quality of palm-leaf fans. In 1974, the Xinhui County Palm Products Craft Factory successfully revived the bamboo sheath painting fan craft, which had been interrupted for 35 years, and launched new products. In 1978, Xinhui’s embroidered woven fans were awarded the title of Provincial Quality Product, while the three-ridged fire-painted glass fans were recognized as high-quality arts and crafts products by the Ministry of Light Industry. In 1987, representatives were also sent to participate in the French Folk Art Expo, where they performed live fire-painting fan demonstrations.