Linjiang Scented Fan

Linjiang Scented Fan

　　No matter what form it takes, the practical function of fans has gradually diminished today. But holding a folding fan adds a touch of refined elegance to a man and a sense of graceful charm to a woman. Among folding fans, the Linjiang Scented Fan is undoubtedly a fine example. Historical records indicate that folding fans were introduced to China from Goguryeo (present-day Korea) as early as the Northern Song Dynasty. Due to their ease of opening for use and folding for storage, they are also known as folding fans or bone-fold fans. The Linjiang Scented Fan began production in the tenth year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty, when Tong Maoen from Linjiang Town returned from military service abroad and brought back the craft. The Linjiang folding fan is crafted using locally abundant white bamboo for the frame and thin, translucent white silk for the fan surface. It undergoes 72 meticulous processes including cutting, carving, threading, pressing, pasting, painting, polishing, and folding. The bleaching process for the white silk reaches an exceptionally high standard. During production, the fan is treated with medicinal herbs and aromatic spices, resulting in a fan that “emanates fragrance with the breeze and wafts away dust and heat with a gentle wave,” offering an indescribably delightful experience. Its smooth opening and closing, paired with a leisurely stroll, can indeed cultivate the temperament of a refined gentleman. None of the fan surfaces are printed; each is hand-painted with authentic Chinese ink wash art. The paintings mainly depict flowers, birds, insects, fish, and natural landscapes in the freehand brushwork style, with the scenery of the Three Gorges being the primary subject. The main artist, Hu Xiaoxuan, is a highly renowned local painter whose works primarily focus on the Three Gorges and who possesses a strong foundation in traditional painting techniques. He makes a field sketching trip to the Three Gorges, the Lesser Three Gorges, the Even Lesser Three Gorges, and surrounding scenic areas once every two years. The fans painted by him have become collectible items for many. No matter where they are, those far from home often carry a fan from their hometown, unfolding it to revisit the beauty of the Three Gorges. (Kaixian)