Kaoh Sanat Katlanır Fan / Ieyasu Tokugawa

This art piece, titled “Kaoh Art”, is inspired by the Kaoh of Sengoku warlords.

Each design is created by studying the lives and ideals of these noble warriors, distilling their samurai spirit into a single Kaoh character. Every piece is crafted with deep focus and heartfelt intention—no two are ever the same.

We invite you to bring Kaoh Art into your life and feel the unwavering spirit and ambition of the warlords it represents.

Width：50cm
Height：36.5cm
Weight：50g

SUIUN ARIKAWA

Joy of Writing

Through “Joy of Writing”, my mission is to bring a richer life, greater self-confidence, and love to the world.

As a concrete activity, I am dedicated to sharing "Kaoh", a treasured Japanese cultural tradition with a history spanning over a thousand years, with the world and passing it on to the next generation.

ARTISAN STORY

Suiun Arikawa
Over the past 32 years, I have devoted myself to extensive training and experiences in the art of calligraphy.
While managing a calligraphy school, I now apply the knowledge and techniques I have cultivated—along with my deep understanding of Chinese characters—to the authentic design of Kaoh, a tradition with over a thousand years of history.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Mukansa (exempt from jury review) member of the Japan Calligraphy Research Federation
・Received the Shusaku Award in the Kanji II category at the Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition
・Member of the International Art Bridge Association

KYO SENSU / KYOTO FOLDING FANS

About 1,200 years ago / 800s / Heian Period (794–1185)

The folding fan is generally considered a Japanese invention, developing in Heian-period Kyoto from wooden hiogi fans and paper-covered bat-wing fans. It served court dress, poetry and gift exchange, then diversified for Noh, tea ceremony and dance, each tradition developing its own size, number of ribs and proportions.

For Japanese people, a folding fan is far more than a cooling device. In tea ceremony it helps define respectful personal space, while on stage it can represent a mountain, wave, cup or countless other objects. It survives today as a practical accessory, performance tool and prestigious gift.

Its compact mechanism is itself a remarkable design idea: a broad surface collapses into something almost stick-like. Japanese folding fans were later exported back through Asia and into Europe, where they became part of court fashion. A small portable object ended up influencing global material culture.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.