Gaoyang Feather Fans

Gaoyang Feather Fans

　　After being designated as imperial tributes, Gaoyang’s feather fan industry rapidly developed and flourished. By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, guilds had emerged. Under the unified management of these guilds, every year on the 15th day of the third lunar month, all feather fan shops would begin 'hanging signs' and displaying sample products. Guild representatives would then visit each shop to inspect product specifications and quality and set prices. Products of superior quality were rated as 'tribute suppliers' and awarded a 'Tribute Feather Fan' plaque, making them responsible for that year’s tribute production. At the time, the feather fan industry rules were quite strict — no one could operate without guild approval. Even if they produced the fans themselves, they had to get guild consent before selling them on the market.

　　 After the liberation, with the support of the Communist Party and the people’s government, Gaoyang’s feather fan production industry grew rapidly. Production and sales soared from 400,000 fans on the eve of liberation to 1 million, and the fans were sold in 23 countries and regions including the Soviet Union, Canada, the South Seas Islands, and Oceania. In 1951, to express their gratitude to the Party and the government, the feather fan artisans selected the finest carved pheasant feathers and meticulously crafted four large sword-shaped feather fans with ivory handles. These were presented to Chairman Mao, Commander Zhu De, Chairman Rao Shushi of the East China Military and Political Committee, and Director Guan Wenwei of the Southern Jiangsu Administrative Office. Upon receiving the fans, Chairman Mao and Commander Zhu immediately had the General Office of the CPC Central Committee send a payment of 20 yuan in appreciation.

　　 One thing that makes the locals of Old Street very proud is that the goose feather fans they made by hand were once sent to Beijing and presented to the great leader Mao Zedong.