Fan; China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century.Wood and wallpaper.Measurements: 31 x 3 cm.In China, the origin of the rigid fan is dated to around 2697 BC, with the emperor Hsiem Yuan, and the oldest written reference (1825 BC) mentions two feather fans offered to the emperor Tchao Wong, of the Chou dynasty. Almost limited to ceremonial use in China, however, in Japan the fan has been linked to the everyday and the artistic; particularly prominent are those related to the tea ceremony, those used as objects in Shinto ritual, and fans for theatrical props, such as those exhibited in Noh dramas and the "tessen" or war fan.The Ching or Qing dynasty was founded by the Manchu clan of Aisin Gioro in present-day northeastern China. Expanding its rule over the rest of China and some adjoining territories in Inner Asia, it established the Empire of the great Ching. The Qing was the last of the Chinese imperial dynasties.Dimensions: 31 x 3 cm.