Paint a Japanese Folding Fan at a Long-Running Shop in a Machiya Townhouse in Kyoto

Discover the Charms of Kyoto-Made Folding Fans at the Long-Running Ohnishi Tsune Shoten

Finely crafted by hand through the division of labor among seasoned artisans, refined Kyo-sensu folding fans are one of Kyoto's representative traditional crafts. Throughout their long history, they have developed alongside Japan’s distinctive culture, serving not only practical purposes, but also conveying proper decorum. In addition, the seasonal scenery and auspicious designs depicted on these fans represent people’s well-wishes. One leading example of a shop specializing in Kyo-sensu is the long-running Ohnishi Tsune Shoten, which has a history of over 100 years.

Kyo-sensu are known for their designs, which depict beautiful natural landscapes, as well as flora and fauna that reflect the changing seasons. These paintings are believed to be heavily influenced by the historic Rinpa school of painting, which was founded in Kyoto by Hon'ami Koetsu and Tawaraya Sotatsu between the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods (1573-1868). Such art that captures a sliver of the seasonal scenery has a way of gently leaving an impression on many people.

An Informative Guided Tour of a Historic Kyoto Machiya Townhouse

This plan will start with a guided tour of the machiya townhouse that Ohnishi Tsune Shoten is located in, which has a history of over 150 years. Led by a staff member, the tour will include explanations as you explore the interior of the house. Your guide will point out many fascinating features characteristic of Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses), such as the long narrow layout called unagi-no-nedoko (“eel’s bed”) and the hibukuro, an open-air space above the kitchen for ventilation.

You will enjoy a moment of tranquility painting your fan in this machiya, as time seems to flow slowly here. After all, traditional lifestyles and customs still thrive in machiya townhouses. For example, a traditional kitchen hearth called kamado is given the honorific nickname of “okudo-san” in Kyoto. And, above the hearth of this machiya, on the kojindana (an altar dedicated to the fire deity Kojin) is an ofuda talisman from Kyoto’s Atago Shrine, where the deity of fire prevention is enshrined.

Before you proceed to the painting experience, you will receive an introduction to the meaning, designs, history, and etiquette of sensu. Since ancient times, these fans have been intertwined with Japanese culture. As seen in works such as The Tale of Genji, during the Heian period (794-1185), these traditional folding fans were also used to express one’s feelings. People wrote waka poems or placed flowers on sensu before giving them to a special someone.

Even today, sensu still play an important role in etiquette for traditional Japanese-style rooms. For example, in the tea ceremony, these fans can be used to convey respect and create a symbolic boundary.

Choose a Traditional Design for Your Fan Painting Experience

The fan that you will paint in this experience will already have a gold design printed on its paper. This is achieved through a traditional technique called kinzuri, which involves screen-printing gold leaf or foil on paper. As you will rarely see sensu designed with this technique in shops, take the opportunity to treasure this precious handicraft.

The master artisan who directly applies gold leaf to these fans is Hideto Tanaka, the fourth-generation head of the long-running Tanaka Kinsai Kogei. Since its establishment in 1927, Tanaka Kinsai Kogei has specialized in kinsai, the application of gold leaf by hand to yuzen-dyed fabrics.

Now, it is time to add color to the fan that will soon brighten your everyday life. Choose a pattern of your liking from four to six designs that change depending on the season. Some examples of traditional auspicious motifs that you can choose from are takarazukushi (“treasure trove”), which depicts an array of luck-bringing objects; Shosoin patterns, which are inspired by the collection of Nara’s historically and culturally significant Shosoin treasure house; and takesuzume (“bamboo and sparrow”), symbols of prosperity and abundance. Additionally, some designs may be printed in different colors: not only gold, but also silver and/or other neutral colors.

Since you will be filling a pre-drawn design with colors, you do not need to worry about not having artistic skills. Simply enjoy this experience as if you were having fun with a coloring book. You can even write your name and/or add other text on the blank spaces, if you wish.

Learn the Meaning and Etiquette Behind Sensu Fans in a Japanese-Style Room

After painting your fan, you will transfer to a Japanese-style room facing a beautiful courtyard garden. There, your instructor will teach you in detail the time-honored meaning and ancient history of sensu fans, as well as their proper usage. The opportunity to learn Japan’s distinctive ways and etiquette for handling sensu is one of the highlights of this experience.

Enjoy Tea and Seasonal Japanese Sweets in the Tea Room of a Machiya Townhouse

At the end of the experience, spend a relaxing time savoring matcha green tea and Japanese sweets in a tea room. You are sure to enjoy learning more about sensu usage and etiquette while indulging in teatime.

Additionally, before you leave, you will receive a fan case as a practical souvenir. It will be essential to ensuring that your fan will last for a long time to come. Use your case to store your fan while it’s in your bag to protect it from water damage, as well as wear and tear.

This experiential plan will give you a firsthand look into the unique expertise of the long-running Kyo-sensu maker Ohnishi Tsune Shoten. Book this experience for an immersion into a world of elegance and decorum, all rooted in Japanese culture.