The Japanese holding fan or sensu is made of the very simple materials of "Washi", Japanese traditional paper on a framework of bamboo, which is then folded over in many layers. Opening it up one layer at a time reveals a uniquely exquisite space overflowing with the scents and colours of the flowers and grasses of the seasons.
The first Sensu were made in Japan. 1,200 years ago, the capital of Japan moved from Nara to Kyoto. For the next hundred years, Japan's court culture slowly evolved from being influenced by the Chinese Tang dynasty to a more uniquely Japanese one. It was during this period that a Japanese sense of beauty was born. Around this time, the first [sensu] appeared in Kyoto. It became an integral element of court etiquette and also as a means of staying cool in the hot weather.
The Tale of Genji, the world famous novel by Murasaki Shikibu who first described this uniquely Japanese sense of beauty, is said to have been written around this time. Sensu appeared in many scenes in The Tale of Genji as an important tool for conveying feelings of love. The story's characters used sensu as a medium to communicate their romantic feelings. This shows one of the uses of sensu in Japan's court culture.
Furthermore, in European social circles, the ladies's mannerisms, when using sensu, also gave new meaning to sensu, as a compact means of secretly communicating amorous feelings (This was the launguage of the Fan in the 18th and 19th Century).The fact that sensu came to have exactly the same function in both Japan and in Europe as a means of communicating feelings of love suggest the sensu had an intriguing cross-cultural power.
Subsequently, the sensu came to have new usages as society and culture developed. It became an essential element in
traditional Japanese etiquette, traditional performing arts, the tea ceremony and in games, as well as maintaining the original purpose of keeping oneself cool. From the time the very first sensu was made right up to the present day, most have been made in Kyoto.
Hyosuke Saiki, the founder of Kyosendo was a temple samurai at the Higashi Honganji Temple. He learned about making fans in Jiami of Mieido. In the year 1832 he opened a shop.
At this time during the Edo Period, the size and power of the cities increased. Cosmopolitan culture blossomed and for most, it was a very exciting time. In the art field, 
the two ukiyoe masters Hiroshige and Hokusai were profligate. They painted a succession of famous works during this time such as the thirty-six prints of Mt. Fuji by Hokusai and the fifty-three prints of the Tokaido scenery by Hiroshige.
From the beginning, Kyosendo has continued as a family business and is presently run by the sixth president. For more than 160 years, the techniques and traditions of making our unique sensu has been passed on through the generations.
This is our contribution to the Japanese sense of beauty.
