Korean folding fans have been around since 800 BC. The word fan “puch’oe” in the Korean language literally translates to ‘a bamboo frame that blows air.’ There are two distinct types of Korean fans – round-shaped fans and folding fans. In this post today, we will focus on the folding fans as they are the ones that exhibit Korean artistic talent at their best. The traditional Korean folding fan is also known as “hapchuk puch’oe.”
Most commonly, the Korean folding fans have decorations of landscapes, flowers, birds, and ‘the four gentlemen’ (plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo). Traditionally, these designs were hand-painted, making the fans a status symbol. A Korean traditional paper, ‘hanji‘, is the main fan material you mount on the frame. Some common materials like bamboo, ivory, bone, wood and even mother of pearl are perfect for Korean folding fans.
Red Lotus Flower, Green Leaf, and Blue Bird Painting Korean Decorative Fan
The lotus design is a symbol of Buddha’s seat and the Western Paradise where Buddha resides. As it is a plant that bears flowers and fruit simultaneously, it is an auspicious symbol for those who wish to have children. The painting on Korean mulberry paper has beautiful lines made by the full breadth of the unfolded fan’s outline.
Black Chinese Ink Bamboo Painting Korean Decorative Fan
The painting exhibits the bamboo, an elegant and graceful plant symbolic of North-East Asia. The bamboo, one of the “four noble beings” (sagunja), symbolizes loyalty as its leaves and stalks stay green throughout the seasons. The Maedeup (Korean macrame) strand tied on the handle gives a beautiful panache to this fan.
Red and White Korean Plum Flower Painting Korean Decorative Fan
This fan depicts the manhwa tree painting on which a pair of birds perched on a branch for a rest. This tree is one of the motifs of the sagunja (“four noble beings”). The Korean plum blossoms are the herald of spring, and it is a symbol of the noble spirit overcoming all hardships.
Red Pomegranate and Bird Painting Korean Decorative Fan
The fan painting shows fully-ripened pomegranates and a pair of birds perched on the branch between the fruits.
Orange Flower and Bird Painting Korean Decorative Fan
The fan has hand-painted orange flowers and birds depicted on Korean mulberry paper that create a beautiful harmony with the lines of the folding fan.
Traditional Korean Folding Hand Fan with Cute Cat Butterfly Painting
This one is a slight variation with a painting of a cute yellow cat romping with a butterfly. The fan is made of cotton and bamboo material.
Korean Traditional Star & Flower Silk Hand Fan
A folding fan with stars and flowers design.
Check out other Korean decoration ideas:
- Top 10 Traditional Korean furniture sold on Amazon to spruce up your home interiors
- Top 5 Korean Home Décor Gift Ideas from Amazon – Cute Figurines
- Korean Pottery Decorations for Your Home
- Top 5 Korean Home Décor Gift Ideas from Amazon – Korean Wedding Ducks
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