Kyoto Paper Fan with Crane and Tortoise Motifs

The fan part of the Tsurukame Uchiwa uses the watermarking technique of Echizen washi (Japanese paper) to create a watermarked crane wing or tortoise shell pattern. The pattern emerges more clearly when held up to the light.

The handle with the crane or tortoise's head is finished with Yamanaka Lacquer's "Fuki-Urushi" technique, enhancing the wood grain and giving it a durable finish. The more time passes, the more beautiful it becomes and the more comfortable it becomes in hand.

The fan is made of many bamboo bones arranged in a radial pattern to form the fan face, and a separately made handle is attached afterwards. Because of their beauty, they can also be enjoyed as ornamental fans.

In Japan, it is said that cranes live a thousand years and tortoises live ten thousand years, and as cranes and tortoises live long, they have been symbols of health and longevity. The crane is a symbol of marital bliss, as it is said to be a very good husband and wife and will be together for the rest of their lives. The tortoise is a symbol of luck in money, as the hexagonal shape of its shell pattern is said to be the shape of money in ancient times.

In this way, since ancient times, cranes and tortoises have been widely known as very lucky objects.

It can be used daily, but as a lucky item, it is also recommended as a gift for weddings and longevity celebrations.

The regular arrangement of the bamboo bones combined with the watermarked pattern allows you to enjoy a Japanese-style atmosphere reminiscent of the latticework often seen on the streets of Kyoto. The watermarked crane and turtle pattern shows a different expression when held up to the light.

The handle is designed to be easy to fan while beautifully expressing the shape of the crane and tortoise. The curve of the handle naturally makes the fan face slightly towards you, allowing you to fan yourself with ease at the wrist. In addition, because you can grip it using all five fingers, you will not tire easily even if you fan it for a long time.

The watermarked pattern on the fan surface and the shape of the handle are inspired by the ancient Japanese family crest. By incorporating the graphic elements of the family crest into the overall design of the fan, the design has a sophistication that suits a beautifully decorated room, but also has a certain charm.

The Tsurukame Uchiwa was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2018 Kyoto Design Awards.

The Tsurukame Uchiwa is made by three master artisans.

Sugihara Shoten manufactures traditional Japanese paper and continues to propose new ways of enjoying washi (Japanese paper) that fit in with modern lifestyles, based on free ideas. Gato Mikio Shoten, while utilising the advanced techniques of traditional Yamanaka lacquerware, pursues a high level of artistry based on a Japanese sense of beauty and strives to produce lacquerware that will be loved for a long time to come. Shiomi uchiwa company pursues beauty suitable for modern sensibilities, always seeking the new of the times while preserving traditional techniques and focusing on 'quality' and 'design'. 3 companies' artisans hand-crafted the paper fans.

The packaging of the Tsurukame Uchiwa was also carefully designed to convey the appeal of the product. The band paper wrapped around the box contains an explanation of the traditional crafts used and an introduction of the makers. The handles are designed to fit into the base paper inside the box to prevent damage to the edge of the fan during delivery.