Mid Century Japanese Folding Fan (Sensu) – Hand Painted Butterfly – Showa Era, C. 1960

Details

Description

Original mid-century Japanese folding fan (sensu), purchased in Japan between 1959–1961 and preserved in the same family since.

This example … Read more Original mid-century Japanese folding fan (sensu), purchased in Japan between 1959–1961 and preserved in the same family since.

This example features a hand-painted butterfly rendered in expressive ink brushwork with soft yellow pigment accents, accompanied by traditional calligraphy and red seal. The bamboo ribs are finely spaced and the paper leaf shows natural age toning consistent with period paper.

An elegant decorative object that displays beautifully open or closed. Ideal for interior styling, wall display, or inclusion in a collection of mid-century Japanese design.

Details:
• Circa 1959–1961
• Bamboo ribs
• Paper leaf
• Hand-painted design
• Japanese Showa era

Condition:
Light age toning and minor wear consistent with age. Opens and closes smoothly. No major structural damage observed.
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My dad was a US Naval Officer (post Harvard College) from 1958-1961 and served on both the USS Hornet and the USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carriers. His ship was docked in Japan and he purchased numerous Japanese fans while on shore leave, although I never saw them as a child, and not sure why. They have never been out of the box until now, so they are new Mid Century items. See less