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

Vintage Japanese Odori Folding Fan (Mai-ougi), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0378-2

A bold and auspicious odori folding fan with gold-tone leaf, vivid cloud motifs, and orange-lacquered bamboo ribs -- displayed on its original bamboo stand.

A mai-ougi is a traditional Japanese folding fan used in odori (classical dance) and ceremonial display, prized for its large format, dramatic coloring, and symbolic imagery. This striking example opens to a sweeping paper leaf finished in a warm gold-tone ground, painted with stylized kumo (cloud) motifs rendered in bold red-orange and sage green -- auspicious motifs long associated with celebration and good fortune in Japanese visual culture. The inner bamboo ribs are lacquered in a vivid orange, while the outer guard staves are left in natural bamboo, creating a warm contrast that draws the eye toward the pivot. A silver-tone rivet secures the fan at its base, where the lacquered ribs fan out in a decorative petal-like arrangement that is itself a hallmark of quality Japanese fan craft. This is a fine example of vintage Japanese decorative art from the late Showa period.

In a modern home, this mai-ougi makes an eye-catching piece of Japanese wall art when mounted above a mantelpiece, entryway console, or bedroom headboard -- its warm orange and gold tones complementing both Japandi style interiors and mid-century modern palettes. The included bamboo display stand allows it to be shown on a shelf, sideboard, or home office credenza without any additional hardware. Its generous size and vivid color palette also make it a memorable housewarming gift or a unique gift for collectors of vintage Japanese decorative objects. Display it fully open to fill a wall niche or fold it partially for a sculptural living room accent.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Bamboo ribs with orange lacquer finish; natural bamboo outer guard staves; paper leaf with gold-tone ground and painted pigment motifs; silver-tone metal pivot rivet; natural bamboo display stand
• Use: Odori (dance) or ceremonial display fan -- intended for performance or decorative presentation
• Modern Use: Japanese wall art display; living room or entryway decorative accent; shelf or sideboard decor on included bamboo stand
• Features: Fully opening folding fan with multiple lacquered bamboo ribs; gold-tone paper leaf with auspicious cloud motifs in red-orange and sage green; decorative petal-spread at pivot base; matching bamboo display stand included
• Dimensions: 19 1/2"W x 1/2"D x 11 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent
• The stand is not included

A vibrant piece of vintage Japanese decorative art that brings the color and elegance of traditional odori culture into any modern living space.

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 vintage 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.