Military leader's fan
Place of OriginJapan
PeriodEdo period (1615-1868)
MaterialsBronze
DimensionsH. 13 3/4 in x W. 5 1/4 in, H. 34.9 cm x W. 13.3 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB62M37
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsMetal Arts
On View
Not on viewMilitary leaders used various instruments to direct the movements of their troops, including flags, banners, and fans. This fan resembles a flat paper fan made for civilian use, but its material, bronze, indicates that it was in fact made as a military accessory. A military leader's fan was also the symbol of the supreme commander of the army. This fan is prominently decorated at the top with the sun and crescent moon.
Jiang Zemin
November 18, 1993
1800-1850
approx. 900-850 BCE
approx. 400-200 BCE
approx. 1800-1911
approx. 1800-1900