Vintage Japanese Mai-ougi Folding Fan, Late Showa 1966-1989

Antique Japanese Mai-ougi Folding Fan, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0815-2

A ceremonial folding fan in radiant gold foil with hand-painted bamboo -- a striking piece of Japanese antique decorative art.

A mai-ougi is a large Japanese folding fan used in traditional odori and buyo dance performance, as well as formal ceremonial display. Unlike everyday sensu fans, mai-ougi are prized objects of craft in their own right -- built for visual drama and symbolic presence. This antique example dates to the Late Showa period (1966-1989) and showcases the refined aesthetic of that era: both faces are surfaced in luminous gold-foil paper over a washi base, while the front face is adorned with freely brushed green bamboo stalks and cascading leaves rendered against the shimmering gold ground. The inner ribs are finished in lacquered black, fanning outward from a beautifully formed pivot guard carved in a chrysanthemum-petal form and finished in glossy black lacquer -- a detail that signals this fan's ceremonial rather than everyday status. Bamboo as a motif carries deep meaning in Japanese culture, representing resilience, flexibility, and longevity, making it a particularly auspicious choice for a display or performance piece.

In a modern home, this mai-ougi makes an arresting living room accent or entryway focal point displayed fully opened on its accompanying bamboo stand. Mounted or framed, it reads as bold wall art in a Japandi-style or minimalist decor setting -- the deep greens and burnished gold translating effortlessly into contemporary interiors. It also makes a distinctive housewarming gift or a gift for collectors of Japanese antique decorative arts. Whether displayed in a reading nook, on a console table, or as part of a curated gallery wall, this fan brings a sense of ceremony and quiet elegance to any space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Gold-foil paper over washi; lacquered bamboo ribs and outer staves; black lacquered pivot guard in chrysanthemum form; natural bamboo display stand
• Use: Traditional Japanese odori and buyo dance performance; ceremonial and formal display
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway display piece on stand; wall art or framed decorative accent; housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese antique art
• Features: Double-sided gold-foil fan surface; hand-painted bamboo motif on front face; plain gold reverse; multiple black-lacquered inner ribs; decorative chrysanthemum-form pivot guard; natural bamboo display stand included
• Dimensions: 19 1/2"W x 1/2"D x 11 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent -- minor surface wear consistent with age; gold foil retains strong luster; stand intact
• The stand is not included

A luminous survivor of the Late Showa era -- this handcrafted Japanese mai-ougi fan brings ceremonial beauty and timeless elegance to any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.