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Artistic marbled Chinese fans back in trend

CGTN

Two young women wearing traditional Chinese attire appreciate a marble fan in Luoyang, June 11, 2024. /CFP
Two young women wearing traditional Chinese attire appreciate a marble fan in Luoyang, June 11, 2024. /CFP

Two young women wearing traditional Chinese attire appreciate a marble fan in Luoyang, June 11, 2024. /CFP

With the arrival of summer, round or folding fans are back in the hands of many Chinese people. Besides being a practical way to keep cool, fans are also great fashion accessories for traditional Chinese attire.

DIY marbled fans are gaining popularity in China. Originally developed as souvenirs for visitors to Yangzhou, Luoyang and Xi'an, each fan is unique due to the nature of the marbling process.

A photo taken on June 8, 2024 in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market shows a variety of marbled fans in different colors. /CFP
A photo taken on June 8, 2024 in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market shows a variety of marbled fans in different colors. /CFP

A photo taken on June 8, 2024 in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market shows a variety of marbled fans in different colors. /CFP

A photo taken on June 8, 2024 in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market shows the marbling process of a fan using vibrant colors. /CFP
A photo taken on June 8, 2024 in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market shows the marbling process of a fan using vibrant colors. /CFP

A photo taken on June 8, 2024 in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market shows the marbling process of a fan using vibrant colors. /CFP

Instead of buying fans, visitors can create their own artistically handcrafted fans on any street corner, following the vendor's instructions and choosing the colors and styles of fans they like.

The colors used in marbled fans are typically rich and vibrant, which adds to their appeal. They can range from soft pastels to bold and intense hues, creating a visually striking effect.

A young visitor to Nantang Pedestrian Street tries out the marbling process with the help of a vendor in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2024. /CFP
A young visitor to Nantang Pedestrian Street tries out the marbling process with the help of a vendor in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2024. /CFP

A young visitor to Nantang Pedestrian Street tries out the marbling process with the help of a vendor in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2024. /CFP

In ancient times, fans were works of art that symbolized elegance, wisdom, and taste. Scholars waved their fans to emphasize their graceful demeanor as they composed poetry or sat deep in thought, while fair ladies hid behind their silk fans to conceal their faces.

Now, as this interactive do-it-yourself experience gains popularity across China, the charm and grace of Chinese fans live on with the innovation of artisans.

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