In the fan-making industry, it's popularly said that the fan is as old as heat itself. And there's no doubt that's true. Although today we see it as an elegant accessory or simply an ally against the heat, the fan has a surprisingly ancient and rich history.
According to the Fan Museum in London, fans were already in use more than 3,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt, not only to refresh high-ranking court officials but also as symbols of power and luxury. Just look at Tutankhamun's famous Golden Fan, covered in gold leaf and decorated with hunting scenes. Of course, the accessory was more of a status symbol than a practical tool.
It is also said that fans existed in Ancient Greece. Although no actual fans have survived, many ceramics and figurines depict women with rigid fans decorated with feathers. They were as much a part of their style as the clothing they wore.
The Fan Museum also states that in the Far East, fans appear in paintings from at least the 8th century, demonstrating that their use spread through very different cultures, always combining functionality with elegance.
How did the fan arrive in Europe, especially in Spain? It is said that they entered the Old World through Venetian trade with the East and also via Portuguese trade routes in the 16th century. In fact, it has been established that the Portuguese played a leading role in the introduction of the folding fan, especially in Spain, where it immediately caught the attention of royalty.
The fan took until the 18th century to become popular throughout the Iberian Peninsula, largely due to the founding of the Royal Fan Factory in Valencia. This factory operated for 20 years and gave rise to the fan-making industry in the province, which remains strong and vibrant to this day. We know this because Ràfega fans are rooted in that history and in the work of the ancestors of our artisans.
By the 19th century, almost all women in Spain carried them frequently. Later, handcrafted fans began to be made in different sizes, leading to the creation of, for example, the large "pericón" fan, widely used in the arts, especially dance and theater. Hence its connection to flamenco.
This blog, of course, skips over huge moments in history and fascinating details, which we encourage you to explore in various books and online resources. But that's our way of reminding you that the next time you use a fan, you're holding centuries of history in your hands.
So now you know: a fan is not just a pretty object or a summer whim. It's history, art, and handcrafted artistry.
When you choose one, don't just think about its color or design: think about the hands that created it, the tradition it represents, and the centuries of culture that support it.
Because supporting Spanish artisan fans is also preserving a valuable part of our identity. And with every breeze that refreshes you, a legacy travels that must not be lost.
Thank you for being a part of this story.
