Stunning Authentic Chinese Fashion Statement: 100% handmade Su Embroidered Silk Fan

~Featuring~
* PREMIUM HANDMADE PRODUCT, NEVER FACTORY PRODUCED: Handcrafted by expert Han embroiderers in Eastern China
* ETHICALLY SOURCED: We directly partner with and source all our products from genuine ethnic minority groups – each purchase is a unique chance to help our social mission to improve the livelihood of marginalized ethnic minorities and preserve their cultural heritage
* PREMIUM MATERIAL: High-quality silk product with bamboo handle * 13.8x7.9 inch, weight:31g
* EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP FOLLOWING ANCIENT TRADITIONS: featuring prestigious Su embroidery techniques, designated by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage since 2006 – a rare art collectable, makes a unique wall decoration!
* CLASSIC CHINESE FASHION STAPLE FOR A FINISHING TOUCH TO ELEGANT OUTFITTS: uniquely double-sided Su embroidery design with silky-smooth oriental patterns – the perfect accessory to keep stylish and cool during hot summer evenings
* ADD-ONS PERFECT FOR GIFTING OR DISPLAY: Optional silk brocade gift box and wood or bamboo display holder available to complete your purchase

This truly Oriental-style fan will catch the attention of all your friends and admirers! Expertly handmade from silk by a traditional artisan in Suzhou Province, the fan features intricate, delicate natural patterns of Su embroidery, the world's only embroidery style which creates the same design on both sides of the fabric. The premium silk is soft to the touch and shimmers elegantly in the sun. Finished with a classy yet natural bamboo handle, this fan is a true art collectable, as well as an authentic Oriental fashion staple to show off on special occasions! Pair it with flowing, elegant attire to create a stylish ensemble during the hot summer months, or hang it on the wall for an exotic finish to your bedroom decoration.

Su Silk Embroidery: An Intangible Cultural Heritage

Su embroidery or su xiu 苏绣 originates in the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, the center of Chinese embroidery since the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), some 2,500 years ago. Known as shuāng miàn xiù 双面绣 this style is so iconic in part thanks to its unique ability to create identical designs on both sides of the fabric - a truly remarkable feat of artistry which cannot be replicated by any other embroidery style. Su embroidery is a broad and complex style of embroidery, but can be roughly divided into two groups: ‘even embroidery’ ping xiu 平绣, which stresses uniformity by avoiding crossing thread, and ‘random embroidery’ luan zhen xiu 乱针绣, which involves layering and crossing threads of different colors and thicknesses. Both techniques are known for balanced compositions and dense stitching with both thick and thin threads. These techniques require generations to master and the skills are passed from mother to daughter. In 2006 Su embroidery was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of China, and in 2018 the technique was selected as one of the first of China’s national traditional craft revitalization and protection objects.

Much like traditional Chinese painting, Su embroidery often depicts natural scenes and animals which offer the viewer a sense of calm. Fans depicting such artistic scenes have been used in China for approximately 2,000 years, serving as cooling devices, fashion statements, and processional items. The fans used by the upper-class hundreds of years ago used the same materials we make our fans with—silk, wood, and bamboo. The cost and elegance of these materials meant that a high-quality fan was also a noticeable status symbol.

Item number: JSCXSCSZ101
Material: Silk with bamboo handle
Care instructions: Prolonged exposure to sunshine may cause the silk thread to fade. Store in a place with good air ventilation. If the fan becomes dusty, use a soft dry cloth to clean it.

Help Us To Help!

With this purchase you contribute to our great cause! Interact China is a social enterprise committed to improve the livelihood of marginalised ethnic minorities and preserve their cultural heritage by promoting their products worldwide. We travel around China and Southeast Asia to work directly with the local artisans and bring their beautiful handicrafts directly at your door. Thank you for supporting us!