This is just about the most beautiful little Japanese fan--sensu--that I can imagine! Constructed of what I believe is a woodblock print on paper and a bamboo structure, it is two-sided, featuring a unique composition of different patterns on each side, perhaps inspired by kimono textile patterns, and executed in a wonderfully nuanced palette of purples, blues, pinks and ochres. These are punctuated with black Japanese characters, which I wish I could read! I am not certain the age of this fan, which appears to be signed by hand on the far left side of one face, but might guess 1940s; I do know it is an extremely lovely little thing, which I'd be inclined to frame--though would have a hard time choosing which side to show!

There are a few small tears in the paper and a bit of wear along the edges, as documented in photos, but the fan is in very good condition overall. It is small, with a span of 9" when open. When closed, it measures 6"x1/2"x1/2".