Sfera | Summer Uchiwa Fans as Gifts

Sfera

A Summer Gift of Uchiwa Fans

As summer's presence gradually draws nearer, Sfera is holding an exhibition titled "Pleasantly Cool" at both its Kyoto and Tokyo Midtown stores. The event features original uchiwa fans, goldfish bowls, and other interior goods to help you stay cool this summer, along with gift sets for sale.

Text by OPENERS

Kyoto Uchiwa Fans: Where Skilled Craftsmanship Shines

Sfera's uchiwa fans are crafted by Aiba, a long-established Kyoto uchiwa maker with 300 years of history. Kyoto uchiwa are known for their rich decorative qualities, exquisite techniques, and delicate designs, earning them the name "Miyako Uchiwa" (Imperial Uchiwa). They are elegant traditional crafts that were once used in the imperial court.

A key characteristic of Kyoto uchiwa is their "sashi-e" (inserted handle) structure, where the fan surface and handle are made separately. Thin ribs are arranged radially, and the handle is attached from the back. The creation process involves 16 steps to reach completion. These include original design creation, rib processing, fan paper processing such as切り絵 (kirie - paper cutting) and woodblock printing for the surface, backing processing to form the fan's structure, and finally, finishing by layering individual materials. All these steps are performed by skilled artisans, many of whom employ techniques unique to Aiba.

While preserving these traditional techniques passed down since its founding, Aiba continually pursues new uchiwa making methods suited to the times, incorporating creative innovations such as the "sukashi uchiwa" (openwork uchiwa) technique, which represents Aiba's contemporary works. The collaboration between Aiba, which continues to transmit new designs, and Sfera, based in the historic city of Kyoto, is truly fascinating.

Three types of uchiwa fans are available for purchase this time. The "sukashi uchiwa" features elegant decorative elements, produced by Aiba as decorative items and gifts. Sfera's original leaf pattern is layered with a slight offset between the front and back designs, creating a more delicate and intricate pattern.

The "mokuhan-zuri uchiwa" (woodblock print uchiwa), printed one by one by Kyoto woodblock printers, boasts a charm that machine printing cannot replicate. In addition to Sfera's original leaf pattern, two designs selected by Sfera from Aiba's collection of old woodblock prints for uchiwa have been used.

The "komaru-gata uchiwa" (small round fan) is a compact fan made from beautiful, plain white Japanese paper. Its beauty lies in its material and form, accentuated by the clean white finish extending to the very edge.

In addition, both Sfera stores in Kyoto and Tokyo Midtown will feature visually refreshing interior goods, including glass goldfish bowls and decorative stones. Five types of gift sets will also be available, combining Sfera's uchiwa fans and accessories with "Kanro Take," a yokan (sweet bean jelly) from the long-established Kyoto confectioner, Kanze Kobo. These uchiwa fans and gift sets can also be purchased from Sfera's online shop (shop.ricordi-sfera.com).

Originally, uchiwa fans were used to ward off evil spirits, and they were popular as gifts during the Edo period to combat the summer heat. The Sfera uchiwa fans, delivered with a sachet of incense, release a subtle fragrance with each wave, sending a pleasant breeze. They are the perfect item for a refined summer gift.

Sfera Original Uchiwa Fans

Ryosukashi Uchiwa Fan - Leaf
Price | ¥11,550
Size | 390×260×12mm

Mokuhan-zuri Uchiwa Fan - Leaf
Price | ¥3,150
Size | 375×240×12mm

Mokuhan-zuri Uchiwa Fan - Taikoseki (Taihu Rock)
Price | ¥3,360
Size | 375×240×12mm
Color | Gray

Mokuhan-zuri Uchiwa Fan - Willow
Price | ¥3,360
Size | 375×240×12mm
Color | Orange

Mokuhan-zuri Uchiwa Fan - Willow
Price | ¥3,360
Size | 375×240×12mm
Color | Green

Komaru-gata Uchiwa Fan - Plain White
Price | ¥2,940
Size | 365×220×10mm

Pleasantly Cool Exhibition (Ongoing)
Sfera Shop (Kyoto)
17 Benzaitemachi, Shinbashi-agaru, Kawabata-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0085, Japan
Tel. +81 75-532-1105
Hours | 11:00 - 20:00
Closed | Wednesdays

Sfera Shop Tokyo (Tokyo Midtown)
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Tokyo Midtown Galleria D-0303
Tel. +81 3-5413-3083
Hours | 11:00 - 21:00
Closed | No fixed holidays

Sfera Online Shop
http://shop.ricordi-sfera.com