Shatter

-Uchiwa- (handheld fan) 

 

This product was born from the fusion of Marugame's living tradition and Kojima's new traditional fiber "Made in Japan Silk Denim."

 

In Kojima, Okayama Prefecture, and Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, located across the Seto Inland Sea,

History and culture dating back to the Edo period

still thrive today.

One example is the "Marugame Uchiwa," which is said to have originated in 1600 when a traveling monk taught the art of fan-making as a thank-you for his lodging.

By 1633, the production of "Shibu Uchiwa (Otoko-take Maru-e Uchiwa)" had become popular as a souvenir for "Konpira-mairi" (pilgrimage to Konpira Shrine),

featuring vermilion colors and a round gold crest reminiscent of the Tengu's feather fan.

Later, the Marugame Domain encouraged fan-making as a side job for its samurai, establishing the foundation for Marugame as a fan-producing region that continues to this day.

 

The back of the fan uses "Awa Washi," another traditional craft of Shikoku. The use of traditional materials gives it a deep, natural cream color and a unique translucency.

 

The delicate sheen of the silk denim on the front and the calm tones of the Awa Washi on the back will bring you peaceful moments and a gentle breeze.

 

 

*Please note that the product image may appear different from the actual color due to monitor settings and other factors.

Why "Uchiwa" (打ち破)?

 

The kanji for "uchiwa" is generally written as "団扇" (団 meaning "round" in Chinese, and 扇 meaning "fan" from the wind created by opening and closing doors). This phonetic equivalent has been used since the Heian period.

However, for this product, we have chosen the kanji "打ち破."

The etymology of "uchiwa" is said to be "to ward off" evil spirits and calamities.

In modern times, what people most want to ward off is not "evil spirits and calamities" but mental stress.

Stress is said to be the biggest enemy of health and mind for people of all ages.

In such a society, this fan is named "Uchiwa" (打ち破) with the hope of "breaking through" one's own weaknesses,

and "breaking through" illness to regain health.

We hope you will use it as a heartfelt gift for:

grandparents you wish to stay healthy forever,

children facing entrance exams,

friends challenging new things, and more.

 

 

~The calligraphy of Reiko completes this Uchiwa~

 

Calligrapher Reiko began practicing calligraphy in her childhood. After spending several months secluded in the mountains of Shiga Prefecture, dedicating herself to calligraphy, and overcoming many challenging paths, she resolved to live a life with no regrets, a life where she could say, "Thank you, me."

Amidst this, she created the world's only calligraphy style, "Rosai-sho®️."

Currently, she actively cultivates students and works to spread Japan's unique culture throughout the world.

  

This silk denim uchiwa is completed when calligrapher Reiko inscribes it with powerful characters.

 

The character is "Dragon."

According to Reiko, when she writes her signature "Dragon" character, a "dragon enters her and writes."

This is how her unique works are created.

The dragon is the only mythical creature among the zodiac signs, a legendary being. Nevertheless, the Japanese people have a deep belief in dragons.

This is believed to be because people saw the immense energy of nature, and sometimes life-threatening natural disasters, as possessing mysterious abilities of other beings that humans do not have.

 

May this powerful and mystical "Dragon" be with you always,

or with your loved ones as a gift.

 

*The uchiwa will be inscribed with "gold ink" and "silver ink." This is not Rosai-sho®.