Japan is one of the most known countries due to its rich art and culture. If you happen to go to Japan, one of the most suggested souvenirs that you could bring home for someone would be any piece of fine artwork from Japan. One souvenir that you can bring home would be a Hashi, or most commonly known as “chopsticks”. Although people consider the chopsticks as a basic eating utensil in Japan, it is also considered an artwork due to its intricate forms and varied designs. Some people also bring back tenugui which is a Japanese hand towel made of cotton.  You could also try bringing home a kimono. The kimono is basically a robe made of silk. What makes it unique is how it is worn and also it has different styles of embroidery on it. Moreover, it is one of the most traditional garments in Japan. In ancient times, the kimono has been worn as a daily garment. But these days, the kimono is usually worn in special occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.

But one of the most fascinating artworks that Japan has to offer is the Netsuke. The Netsuke is a miniature sculptures used as an accessory for garments more particularly a fastener to particular pouch worn with the kimono. The kimonos traditionally do not have pockets. That is why it is necessary for people in Japan to bring along a pouch with them called sagemono, which later developed, into beautifully crafted boxes called inro. The Netsuke then would be the support of the Inro as the inro hangs on the strings of the netsuke. The Netsuke also serves as a fastener for the inro so that nothing would fall out of it and it would be secured.

The netsuke is one of the earliest forms of art in Japan. This particular art form can be dated back to the 17th century more particularly on the Edo period. Back then netsuke carvers would normally use hardwood sticks, vines, and strings as their base. They then carve several designs ranging from animals, objects, personalities, Gods, and other possible designs. Through the passage of time, the art form then took several progressions when it comes to materials used. The carver then used harder earthly materials to better preserve their artworks. Moreover, they have also developed several new techniques in carving. However, no matter how advanced the technology is for carving, carvers still find a difficulty in carving the two drawstring toggle holes. Since the beginning of the creation of the Netsuke the carvers have already developed the tradition of carving the two drawstring toggle holes as if it blended with the actual design of the entire netsuke. In modern times, the netsuke has developed to far more intricate designs, which make it more vivid.

The first fans came from China; the earliest known Chinese fans are a pair of woven bamboo side-mounted fans which was dated back to the 2nd century BC. The flat fans were used in China as a means of creating breeze, especially during the hot summer months.
The folding fans, on the other hand, were invented in Japan. Japanese folding fans or “sensu” is an important part of the Japanese culture. It has been used in Japan since the 7th century, and is still a unique handicraft in Japan until today. In the 13th century, these folding fans were exported to China. Finally, the fans reached Europe and became prized possessions of European royals. Today, folding fans of various shapes, sizes, and designs are used all over the world for different purposes.  You can even buy a custom made sensu that you can be proud of.

The folding fans originated and developed specifically in the city of Kyoto in Japan. It became popular at the court and was called “Akomeogi. No one would ever have guessed that the ones precious and expensive fans that were only owned by Japanese politicians and nobles are now slowly degrading as they have been replaced by technological advancements such as the electric fans and air-conditioning systems. Geishas value their fans which are sometimes given to them as gifts, and use them during their performances. Even until today, fan dances remain popular in Asian culture.
Among the many uses of the Japanese “sensu”, its use as a weapon is probably the most interesting. In feudal Japan, war fans were used by the legendary Samurai warriors. In China and Korea, fans are also used in martial arts either for offense or defense.
There are three types of war fans: gunsen, tessen, and gunbai or gunpai. Gunsen were typical folding fans used by warriors for the simple purpose of cooling themselves. Tessen, on the other hand, were folding fans that may look like any other fan from the outside but are actually designed with outer spokes made of heavy iron plates. These weapons were carried by the warriors to b used when needed in places where swords or other weapons were not allowed. Finally, gunbai were large open fans made of iron, metal with wooden core, or solid wood. These were carried only by high-ranking officials and used to defend themselves against flying arrows or to signal their troops.
Today, Japanese folding fans are no longer used in warfare or in courts. However, they still remain as mediums where artisans can show off their unique designs. These fans are still important in modern Japanese culture and are sometimes given as gifts during special occasions.