What is a waist fan?
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In ancient China, there were many types of Chinese folding fans, but few people can name them specifically. Today, let's talk about a "highly popular" waist fan among Chinese folding fans.
1、What is a waist fan?
According to Baidu Baike (China's online encyclopedia), the waist fan is a type of Chinese folding fan that can be rolled up for storage. The earliest records of it date back to the Jin Dynasty, and it has another name: WanShan. It is categorized as an accessory.
2、The origin time of the waist fan
The waist fan was the ancient people's "portable small fan" and has existed since the Northern and Southern Dynasties! At that time, people hung it on their waist, and it swayed as they walked, both shading them from the sun and providing a breeze. The Book of 南齐 records that ministers used "waist fans" to block the sun when going to court, as convenient as our modern sun umbrellas. It turns out ancient people were just as afraid of getting sunburnt as we are!
3、The "costume changes" of the waist fan in different dynasties
a、Waist fan in the Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty people knew how to have fun! It was a favorite among literary youth. The fan surface was no longer simply plain; literati painters drew landscapes, flowers, birds, and even wrote poems on it with brushes. Li Bai might have held such a waist fan, writing poems while drinking wine—so stylish!
b、Waist fan in the Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty people were meticulous about details. The frames of waist fans were carved with bamboo patterns, and some were inlaid with jade or ox horns. Girls' waist fans often had embroidered butterflies and peonies, swaying with their skirts as they walked—very beautiful.
c、Waist fan in the Ming and Qing Dynasties
At that time, the waist fan became a "wealth-displaying" item for the rich! The fans of the wealthy were more extravagant: frames made of ivory or red sandalwood, fan surfaces inlaid with gold edges, and when opened, they showed dragons and phoenixes embroidered with gold and silver threads—clearly used by wealthy families.
4、How to pair waist fans with Hanfu?
Remember two tips:
a. Choose waist fans according to Hanfu styles
- For simple straight-tube Hanfu (such as zhiju), pair with a plain waist fan painted with ink bamboo—fresh like an ancient scholar.
- For Hanfu with large skirts (such as quju or chest-length ruqun), choose a waist fan with tassels. The tassels swing as you walk, as agile as a fairy!
b. Match fan colors with clothing
- Light-colored Hanfu (e.g., pink, white): Pair with blue or green waist fans, as bright as spring flowers.
- Dark-colored Hanfu (e.g., purple, black): Pair with gold or red waist fans, instantly becoming "noble." Perfect for banquets!
5、New ways to use waist fans with Hanfu today
As Hanfu becomes more popular today, waist fans have also made a comeback. No longer just antiques in museums, they have become "stylish props" for young people to play with traditional culture. Whether at Hanfu gatherings, comic conventions, or daily shopping, there are many ways to pair waist fans. Use one as a prop in photos or hang it on a bag as a decoration—both uniquely Chinese and trendy. Some people even design modern patterns on waist fans, like cartoon characters or popular slogans. The collision of tradition and fashion is so much fun!
This is the story of the waist fan! A Chinese folding fan holds the wisdom and aesthetics of ancient people. Next time you wear Hanfu, be sure to try pairing it with a waist fan—it will definitely upgrade your Hanfu outfit!
