This is a handheld paper folding fan, called a sensu. The skeleton is made of wood; the exposed wood over the paper at each end has designs carved into it. The fan is decorated with a floral scene over a red and gold background. The images differ on each side, but many of the same kinds of flowers are featured. The fan is mounted with a wooden box and a fabric case, both for storage. The fabric case is decorated with floral designs in gold, green, red, and blue on a red background. It ties with a purple cord and an ivory button.
This object was donated to the Boston Children's Museum by the Citizens of Kyoto, Japan in 1976 to honor the Boston–Kyoto Sister City relationship and the move of The Japanese House to Boston.
