Fan / Cat

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This traditional fan is made by a single person who carries out the entire process from the cutting of the bamboo.
The roundness of the bamboo is utilized so that it gently fits in your hand when you hold it. You can use it as your "special one"!
Why don't you enjoy the unique qualities of bamboo?

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1300 years ago / 700AD / Nara period in Japan

Boshu Uchiwa is a traditional handicraft of Chiba Prefecture made from a single piece of bamboo. It is one of Japan's three major Uchiwa (Marugame Uchiwa, Kyo Uchiwa, and Boshu Uchiwa) and was certified as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2003. The lightness and suppleness of the Boshu Uchiwa is its most distinctive feature, as well as the comfortable breeze it creates. Since the entire framework is made of bamboo, it creats a gentle breeze.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Chikusei / Yoshimi Ishiyama
After studying bamboo crafts in Kyoto, she returned to her hometown in Chiba Prefecture to become a craftsman making Boshu Uchiwa fans. Since her childhood, she has felt the joy of making something with her hands, and of seeing, touching, and using her creations to bring joy to others. She continues to make products that are practical and easy for customers to use.

Craftsman Passion

"I'm going to make my life about enjoying what I love to do, without being a craftsman or an artist or any other title"
Do I call what I produce "craft" or "folk art"? Do I call my profession an artist or a craftsman? I don't think it is necessary to create a definition. I think it is best if I can do what I want to do and enrich my mind without being too rigid.

Achievement

Obtained Bamboo Craft Technician

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：40.5cm
Height：23.5cm
Weight：28g

Material & Caution

Materials

Bamboo
Japanese paper

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about a month for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.