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@saroyan.bsky.socialSep 23, 2026, 7:51 PM

#didyouknow

Do you know about the lacquer fan? A #lacquer #fan (known in China as #qīshàn) is a traditional handmade handheld fan decorated using a "floating lacquer" hydro-dipping technique.

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What is a Lacquer Fan? History: Dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, lacquer fans were originally used in royal and noble ceremonies as symbols of power and status before becoming cherished folk art. The Craft: Artisans drip coloured lacquer paints onto the surface of water and swirl them into marble or flowing abstract patterns using a stick. A blank paper or fabric fan is then gently dipped into the water, transferring the unique design onto the fan surface. One-of-a-Kind: Because the paint moves naturally with the water's current, no two lacquer fans turn out identical, making each piece a distinct, collectible work of art. Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU) Lacquer fans (qīshàn, 漆扇) have a history spanning over two thousand years rooted in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, originating as symbols of royal power before evolving into folk art and global export commodities. Ancient Origins and Ceremonial Roots Han Dynasty Beginnings: Historical records show that the earliest lacquer fans were used primarily in royal and noble ceremonies to symbolize status and power. Material Evolution: Traditional frames were constructed from sliced bamboo and covered with delicate xuan paper (rice paper) or silk, then treated with natural tree lacquers and mineral pigments. The "Floating Lacquer" Technique Marbled Aesthetics: The iconic look of a lacquer fan relies on the "floating lacquer" (piāoqī) method, taking advantage of the fact that raw lacquer is insoluble in water. Artistic Process: Artisans drip coloured lacquers onto the water's surface, swirling and manipulating the fluid using gestures like dotting, flicking, and stroking before dipping the fan directly into the water to pick up the unique marbled pattern. Singular Artifacts: Because water currents and mixing speeds change with every dip, no two lacquer fans turn out identical.What is a Lacquer Fan? History: Dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, lacquer fans were originally used in royal and noble ceremonies as symbols of power and status before becoming cherished folk art. The Craft: Artisans drip coloured lacquer paints onto the surface of water and swirl them into marble or flowing abstract patterns using a stick. A blank paper or fabric fan is then gently dipped into the water, transferring the unique design onto the fan surface. One-of-a-Kind: Because the paint moves naturally with the water's current, no two lacquer fans turn out identical, making each piece a distinct, collectible work of art. Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU) Lacquer fans (qīshàn, 漆扇) have a history spanning over two thousand years rooted in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, originating as symbols of royal power before evolving into folk art and global export commodities. Ancient Origins and Ceremonial Roots Han Dynasty Beginnings: Historical records show that the earliest lacquer fans were used primarily in royal and noble ceremonies to symbolize status and power. Material Evolution: Traditional frames were constructed from sliced bamboo and covered with delicate xuan paper (rice paper) or silk, then treated with natural tree lacquers and mineral pigments. The "Floating Lacquer" Technique Marbled Aesthetics: The iconic look of a lacquer fan relies on the "floating lacquer" (piāoqī) method, taking advantage of the fact that raw lacquer is insoluble in water. Artistic Process: Artisans drip coloured lacquers onto the water's surface, swirling and manipulating the fluid using gestures like dotting, flicking, and stroking before dipping the fan directly into the water to pick up the unique marbled pattern. Singular Artifacts: Because water currents and mixing speeds change with every dip, no two lacquer fans turn out identical.What is a Lacquer Fan? History: Dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, lacquer fans were originally used in royal and noble ceremonies as symbols of power and status before becoming cherished folk art. The Craft: Artisans drip coloured lacquer paints onto the surface of water and swirl them into marble or flowing abstract patterns using a stick. A blank paper or fabric fan is then gently dipped into the water, transferring the unique design onto the fan surface. One-of-a-Kind: Because the paint moves naturally with the water's current, no two lacquer fans turn out identical, making each piece a distinct, collectible work of art. Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU) Lacquer fans (qīshàn, 漆扇) have a history spanning over two thousand years rooted in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, originating as symbols of royal power before evolving into folk art and global export commodities. Ancient Origins and Ceremonial Roots Han Dynasty Beginnings: Historical records show that the earliest lacquer fans were used primarily in royal and noble ceremonies to symbolize status and power. Material Evolution: Traditional frames were constructed from sliced bamboo and covered with delicate xuan paper (rice paper) or silk, then treated with natural tree lacquers and mineral pigments. The "Floating Lacquer" Technique Marbled Aesthetics: The iconic look of a lacquer fan relies on the "floating lacquer" (piāoqī) method, taking advantage of the fact that raw lacquer is insoluble in water. Artistic Process: Artisans drip coloured lacquers onto the water's surface, swirling and manipulating the fluid using gestures like dotting, flicking, and stroking before dipping the fan directly into the water to pick up the unique marbled pattern. Singular Artifacts: Because water currents and mixing speeds change with every dip, no two lacquer fans turn out identical.