[HAND FAN] MEN'S WOODBLOCK BOOK SOOT BAMBOO | UNKINDO FUKATSU HAND FAN | EDO FOLDING FANS

Brand

Just by holding it, you can tell if it's good or bad

Unkindo Fukatsu Folding Fan

• 1860
• Edo folding fan
• Yoshiko Fukatsu

History

Traditional skills handed down over 150 years from the late Edo period

My father, Kozo Fukatsu, was a great traditional craftsman ; during his active duty, he undertook the manufacture of fans used by the females of the imperial family during one of the most significant official ceremonies.

I studied under my father since I was 29 years old, and now I am the 5th generation of Ukindo Fukatsu Folding fan Brand.

Characteristic

Incorporating contemporary aesthetics into tradition

The imperial family is not the only customer of ours; we also make fans for traditional Kabuki actors such as Tamasaburo Bando and Tokizo Nakamura.

By manufacturing fans for multiple significant figures, we continue to protect the traditions and techniques of Edo fans even today.

Edo holding fans are different from Kyoto holding fans; while Kyoto fans are made through a division of labor system, Edo fans are made by one craftsman undertaking more than 30 processes.

Our craftsmens skills are highly advanced, therefore we are able to make tiny adjustments such as thickness of the base paper and more, enabling uniqueness of each craftsman to be expressed.

As for the design, rather than simply adopting traditional Japanese patterns, we incorporate contemporary aesthetics to sublimate the whole design into modern and stylish, yet traditional and authentic.

Such design is enabled by our highly-advanced skills accumulated through the long years of experiences and our craftsmens keen sensibility.

For Customers

Even sounds of the fans are enjoyable

Compared to elegant Kyoto fans, Edo fans are more "stylish" and also "practical".

The base paper has a plenty of width, making the whole fan stable and robust when used.

Moreover, we would like each user to feel the "sound" created when the fan is closed.

That clear sound is satisfying and comfortable, bringing entertainment to your ears, as well.

Please utilize our fans during hot summer days, not only to cool you down but also to enjoy the season with your eyes and ears through the design and the sound.

Award

Tokyo Metropolitan Traditional Crafts Conservation Federation. Arakawa City designated intangible cultural property holder.