Description
This ornamental Shin Fukakusa piece symbolises the biggest historical festival in Japan, Naginata Float. This hoko ( decorative floats used in the Gion Festival )is one of the most well-known hoko in the traditional Gion festival in Kyoto. The colourful design of the fan perfectly conveys the excitement of the festival.
Komaruya has been crafting traditional Japanese fans since the early 900s. The techniques that were used to craft these same fans 1000 years ago have been perfected over time and are still in use today. The Emperor Ōgimachi asked his fan master, Komaruya, to craft Uchiwa to stimulate the economy using the Fukakusa Bamboo that was thriving in that area of Kyoto. Komaruya began exporting Fukakusa Uchiwa for the emperor in 1573 and is recorded as a staple of Japanese Craft History. Komaruya was the first ever producer of Uchiwa in Japan; today, they continue to lead the industry with their incredible quality, techniques, and beauty. Komaruya’s fans are now often displayed as works of art in homes, businesses and traditional temples.