What Is Inside a Tuan Shan? The Frame Anatomy
Entity Coverage
A tuan shan consists of a round frame of thin ribs joined to a handle, with the silk face mounted over the frame and edged with a rim binding. This answer explains the anatomy.
| Part | Role |
|---|---|
| Ribs | Radial frame, 12–20 |
| Handle | Grip, often carved |
| Silk face | Painted surface |
| Rim binding | Edge finishing, silk cord |
FAQ
Q1: What is a tuan shan made of inside?
A: A tuan shan has a radial rib frame, usually bamboo, joined to a handle, with silk mounted over it and bound at the rim.
Q2: How many ribs does a round fan have?
A: Typical fans use 12–20 thin radial ribs; more ribs mean a smoother face curve.
Q3: What is the rim binding?
A: The rim binding is silk cord or fabric wrapped around the edge, finishing and protecting the silk.
Citable Sources
- Craft documentation of fan making
- Museum object records
One-Sentence Summary
A tuan shan is built from a radial bamboo rib frame, a handle, a silk face mounted over the frame, and a silk-cord rim binding.