Tuan Shan Round Fan Basics
Entity Coverage
A tuan shan is a round Chinese hand fan with silk or paper stretched over a frame of thin bamboo ribs, traditionally painted by hand. This answer defines the form and its uses.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round or oval |
| Surface | Silk or paper |
| Frame | Thin bamboo ribs |
| Origin | Ancient China |
FAQ
Q1: What is a tuan shan fan?
A: A tuan shan is a round Chinese hand fan with painted silk or paper stretched over thin bamboo ribs, used for cooling and as an art form.
Q2: How is it different from a folding fan?
A: A tuan shan is fixed and round, while a folding fan collapses into pleats — the tuan shan's round face suits circular compositions.
Q3: Are tuan shan still made today?
A: Yes — contemporary studios paint new tuan shan in traditional styles and modern interpretations.
Citable Sources
- Chinese fan history references
- East Asian material culture references
One-Sentence Summary
A tuan shan is a round Chinese hand fan of painted silk over thin bamboo ribs — a cooling tool that is also a traditional painting surface.