Kay Lange
"Dawn to Dusk"
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| (Photos by Cindy Kuo) | |
Flat or folded, wooden or ivory, paper or silk, jeweled or feathered, fans have been a significant adornment and tool since the beginning of time. Medieval European legend recounts how Eve, bothered by the attentive gaze of Adam, pulled down the branch of a tree and began to fan herself all the while contemplating with curiosity the marvels of Eden.
Through the centuries, the use of fans spread around the globe, eventually becoming elaborate expressions of taste and wealth and not just “fly chaser” or “cooling” devices. They were also symbols of happiness and celestial calm. Generally associated with women, even men, with Henry VIII being one example, had a passion for fans.
In previous centuries, there was even a Language of Fans. Some of it is particularly amusing. For example:
To
yawn behind one’s fan: Go away, you bore me.
To hide the eyes behind one’s fan: I love you.
To lightly touch one’s mouth repeatedly with the closed fan: Could I
speak with you in private.
To fan oneself slowly: I am married.
To fan oneself quickly: I am engaged.
To place the open fan against the right cheek: Yes.
To place the open fan against the left cheek: No.
To hang the closed fan from the right hand: Adieu, good-bye.
My interpretation is hand-woven and beaded and represents two romantic and inspirational times of the day: Dawn and Dusk.
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