Deyang Chaofan Fan

Deyang Chaofan Fan

　　Deyang Chaofan Fan: Originating from the round fans of Chaozhou, Guangdong, this unique fan style was developed during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1892) when Bao Shancheng, who served as Tongzhi (a local official) in Xianyou County, Fujian, returned to his hometown after resigning from office. He brought back Chaozhou round fans and improved their craftsmanship, creating the distinct style of the Deyang Chaofan Fan. Its level of artistry far surpassed that of the original Chaozhou fans, making it a unique specialty of Deyang. The Deyang Chaofan Fan is made using materials such as cizhu (a type of bamboo) strips, silk thread, and fresh paper. The fan surface comes in various shapes, including the kidney bean shape and bat shape, adorned with landscape paintings and poetry—both practical and aesthetically pleasing, with a high level of cultural refinement. In 1895, the Deyang Chaofan Fan became an imperial tribute item and gained the favor of Empress Dowager Cixi. After the War of Resistance against Japan, renowned Sichuanese artists such as Zhang Daqian and Ye Qianyu painted on the fans, greatly enhancing the Deyang Chaofan Fan’s fame. The fan-making industry flourished as a result, with over 30 fan shops established, and the fans being exported both domestically and internationally. In 1943, the Deyang Chaofan Fan was presented as a national gift to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is now housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. In 1956, the Deyang Chaofan Fan was also given as a national gift to heads of state in more than 10 countries, including the Soviet Union, Romania, and India.