Keeping cool with handheld fans

[Photo/The Fan Museum]

At around the same time, artisans in France were making fans using imported Chinese bamboo sticks, ostrich feathers, parchment, silk and lace, mounted on ivory or cane and mother-of-pearl. Paris soon became the center of the fan craft and led the craze among European royalty.

During the Victorian era, the fan reached the peak of its success as it became more accessible for the emerging middle class. Later on, the slimmer silhouette in fashion encouraged a new style: cockade fans. The leaf could open into a complete circle, but came with a more simple design. As the times changed yet again, in the 20th century they began to fall out of favour, and were primarily used as souvenirs, decorations or advertisements.