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Ohgi are believed to have been invented in the 8th century, as some have been excavated from the site of the ancient capital of Nara, which was built in 710. The early ohgi, like walking sticks, were symbols of authority. Elderly people who performed distinguished service were permitted by their lords to carry them. Subsequently, they were mainly used in the imperial court. Those made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) were used in winter, whereas bamboo and paper ones were for summer use. Gradually, paper ones became mainstream.
Bamboo and paper ohgi were introduced to China around the 13th century. Before then, Japanese ohgi had paper on just one side of the bamboo frame, but a modified version with paper on both sides was reimported to Japan.
During the 16th century, oriental fans made their way to Europe, and in the 17th century they were made mainly in Paris. In the early 18th century, the fan had become an essential fashion accessory for aristocratic women. |
