Tenugui Zigzag Design Marugame Fan

This Marugame fan was made in collaboration with Takeda Dyeworks, a specialist in hand dye with 300 years of history, based in Miyagi, north Japan. Their ‘Neo Japan’ series of patterns feature representations of classic motifs - such as these red zigzags.

On the coast facing the Japan inland sea, the region of Marugame in Kagawa has a tradition in fans. The precise origins are obscure, but it is thought that by the early Edo period (early 17th century), a small industry was in place.

Using bamboo from the neighbouring Iyo region (modern Ehime), and paper from Tosa (current Kochi), the fans had an association with local materials from the very beginning. A lineage of craftspeople were supported by the feudal authorities, and this tradition for individual fan makers continues today. In all there are 47 separate handmade processes involved in making a Marugame fan, and at least 16 different shapes.

The Marugame fan cooperative, maintains a register of craftspeople of particular fan making prowess, and are working hard to encourage a new generation.

The fan is 38cm high, and 17 cm wide. Its handle is 11.5cm.