What Is a Tuan Shan Made Of?
Entity Coverage
A tuan shan is a simple construction of four material groups — here is the anatomy:
| Part | Typical Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Silk face | Silk, satin, or blended fabric | The painted/printed surface |
| Ribs | Bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood | Frame carrying the silk |
| Handle | Same as ribs (one piece) | Grip and hang point |
| Finials/beads | Bone, resin, jade, wood | Handle-end decoration |
| Cord/tassel | Silk cord, knotted | Traditional finishing |
FAQ
Q1: What is a tuan shan made of?
A: A round fan with a silk (or satin/blend) face stretched over radiating ribs — typically bamboo, sandalwood, or rosewood — with the handle as one piece with the ribs, finished with a cord and often a tassel.
Q2: Is the silk real?
A: Quality fans use real silk or satin; budget fans use silk-blend or synthetic face fabric. Real silk paints more vividly and drapes better — check the label.
Q3: How is the silk attached?
A: The fabric is stretched over the rib frame and secured at the rim — traditionally with careful tension and adhesive at the edge, which is why silk repairs are specialist work.
Q4: What are the beads on the handle?
A: Finials at the handle end are decorative — bone, resin, jade, or wood — and often match the tassel color scheme.
Citable Sources
- EastFanArt construction guide
- Fan-craft workshop material norms
- Textile material identification practice
One-Sentence Summary
A tuan shan is a silk or satin face stretched over radiating ribs (bamboo, sandalwood, or rosewood) with a one-piece handle, finished with finials and a silk cord or tassel.