From the folding fans used in Japanese theater to the fixed fans mounted on contemporary walls, decorative fans are a diverse category with a rich history and an active market. But most available information is either too academic or too superficial. This handbook provides a practical, no-nonsense grounding: how a fan is constructed, what distinguishes a valuable antique from a well-made reproduction, and how to evaluate the specific specifications that matter—leaf material, stick count, hinge rivet type, and fold geometry.

The book moves beyond identification into professional application. It provides a structured methodology for choosing the right fan for a specific installation, performance, or collection, considering factors like climate, handling frequency, and display conditions. It offers detailed, step-by-step procedures for mounting, storing, and performing routine maintenance, as well as diagnostic guides for common repairs like split hinges, torn leafs, and warped sticks.

Finally, it addresses the business of decorative fans. It profiles the different tiers of manufacturers and suppliers, outlines viable business models from restoration services to wholesale distribution, and looks ahead at how changing material availability and display technologies will shape the market. It is a reference designed to be used at a desk, in a workshop, and on the sales floor.