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"Torii" Vintage Folding Fan

"Torii" Vintage Folding Fan

Birds at the Gate

Regular price $30.00
Regular price $30.00 Sale price $30.00
Sale Sold out
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Low stock: 1 left

  • Ships from NY
  • One-of-a-kind
  • Sourced from Japan

This listing is for a vintage Japanese folding fan (sensu in Japanese). See videos below on how the paper version of these fans are made - it's quite an elaborate and precise process. 

This fan features silhouetted roosters gathered below a row of torii gates and shrine architecture. Roosters are often associated with dawn, protection, and driving away darkness or bad spirits, while the repeated torii gates suggest sacred pathways and spiritual transition. The original paper sleeve references “Daifukusen” or “great fortune fan,” with additional auspicious text promoting luck, prosperity, and household protection.

A torii is a traditional Japanese gate marking the entrance to sacred Shinto spaces, symbolizing the transition from the earthly to the divine.  The word “torii” literally translates to “bird perch", reflecting ancient Japanese mythology where birds were believed to guide the sun goddess Amaterasu out of a cave into the light of the world.

These vintage Japanese fans are wonderful as wall accents or used as props in dance, photography, or ceremony. Beautiful for home or office display or as a thoughtful gift.

The wooden display holder is not included but these are available from many other shops online.

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Length: 6" (closed)
Width: 9.5" (open)
Made In (Estimated): 1950s - 1960s
Condition: Excellent Vintage
Fiber: Paper, Bamboo
Technique: Folded
Colors: Black, Gold, Orange, Cream
Motifs: Roosters, Torii Gates

SKU:0526fan9

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