Ostravské muzeum

Decorative Fan for Ceremonial Occasions

Japanese culture is known for its restraint and modesty in interior decoration. Compared with European culture, which often favours more elaborate ornamentation, the Japanese prefer simplicity and attention to detail. Hand-painted fans were often used to decorate palace walls. However, they could only be found in the residences of high-ranking daimyō (members of the nobility) or at the imperial court. This was because these fans were imported from China and were very expensive. Only wealthy Japanese people could therefore afford them.