Fans in China date back nearly 3,000 years, to the Shang (c. 17th-11th centuries BC) and Zhou (11th century-256 BC) dynasties. There are many types of fans-made from paper, silk, palm leaves feathers, bamboo and wheat straw-in various shapes and sizes. Some fans are round or square, while others are shaped like flowers or leaves of plants. In ancient times, emperors had fans with long handles, which symbolized their notable status. Round silk fans, which emerged after feather fans, were popular during the Han (206 BC一220 AD) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. In paintings from those periods, we can often see ancient beauties holding such fans. But neither the feather fans nor the round silk fans could fold, so they were not convenient to use, particularly while traveling. Folding fans had appeared by the time of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), but they did not become popular until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1544).
