Kutami Uchiwa Fans

In the city of Kutami, traditional Japanese fan (uchiwa) making was a booming industry from the 1600s. Legend has it that a traveling priest from the city of Marugame (a city already famous for uchiwa making) came to Kutami and passed on the uchiwa making knowledge in exchange for a nights stay. 

At its peak over 500 families were involved in the uchiwa business in Kutami, however today only one family carries on the tradition of Kutami uchiwa making, which is unique in their use of persimmon tannin to coat the washi paper to both strengthen the paper as well as repelling insects. 

With proper use and care, these uchiwas will last for decades and the color will deepen to a beautiful hue as the uchiwa ages. 

The Japanese characters (kanji) for Kutami also can be read as "people come," hence Kutami uchiwas have also been long-considered as good luck items for thriving businesses, as well as as gifts to wish happiness (birth), prosperity (business) and any kind of success.