The Zhe Shan became popular in China during the Ming Dynasty, reaching a peak of popularity during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).This is the time when the folding fan became known as a symbol of social status. It was also during this time that the culture of using fan gestures as a way to express moods developed.
The most valuable examples of Zhe Shan fans are those which are decorated with art and/or calligraphy. The shape of the fan-narrow at the bottom and wide at the top-made them a challenge for artists to decorate. One method used by calligraphers was to alternate Short and long sentences on the panels of the fan. That way, the writing did not took crowded or cramped and remained artistically appealing. Writing was done both horizontally and vertically, depending on the preference of the artist and the patron.
