The Art of Vietnamese Fan-Making: From Village Craft to Global Charm

In Vietnam, the folding fan is more than a simple object to chase away the heat—it is a living symbol of heritage, elegance, and storytelling. For centuries, fan-making has been a cherished craft, passed down through generations in traditional villages that still hum with the sound of bamboo slicing, silk stretching, and brush strokes gliding.

 A Journey into Vietnam’s Fan-Making Villages

Some of Vietnam’s most renowned fan-making villages include:

• Đào Xá Village (Hưng Yên Province) – Known for its meticulous bamboo fan ribs and lacquer detailing.

• Thạch Xá Village (Hà Tây) – Famous for producing ceremonial and festival fans with hand-painted calligraphy and spiritual motifs.

These villages don’t just produce fans—they preserve cultural memory. Each fan carries a story of the maker, the land, and the hands that shape it.

The Fan-Making Process: Where Craft Meets Culture

Every Tonkin Handicraft fan goes through a thoughtful and artistic process. Here's how tradition comes to life:

1. Sourcing & Preparing Bamboo

It begins with carefully selected mature bamboo—light yet durable. After harvesting, the bamboo is sun-dried, boiled, and smoked to prevent insects and warping.

2. Splitting & Shaping the Ribs

Artisans split the bamboo into thin strips and shave them into uniform slats. These ribs form the skeleton of the fan. Each rib must be sanded smooth and drilled with tiny precision holes for the pivot point.

3. Printing or Painting the Fan Leaf

The leaf (usually silk, paper, or cotton) is where the fan comes alive. Whether hand-painted with flowers, landscapes, or printed with custom logos, this is the heart of its aesthetic. At Tonkin, we offer custom printing for brands, festivals, and events—a fusion of tradition and modern identity.

4. Assembly & Folding

The fan leaf is carefully glued to the bamboo ribs, and once dry, the fan is creased and folded into shape by hand—a process that requires skill to ensure smooth, even folds.

5. Finishing Touches

Each fan is checked, trimmed, and finished with accessories like tassels, beads, or protective covers. Some are left minimalist, while others reflect vibrant Vietnamese aesthetics.

🎎 The Soul Behind the Craft

Making a fan is not merely a production line—it is an expression of identity. In Vietnam, fans have been used in court dances, rituals, festivals, and everyday life. They are given as wedding gifts, used to perform folk dances, or simply to cool oneself during a summer afternoon.

At Tonkin Handicraft, we honor this tradition while introducing modern design elements, enabling you to bring home not just a product—but a piece of Vietnam’s cultural legacy.

✨ Customized Fans for Your Story

Whether for a wedding, cultural event, branding campaign, or souvenir, our fans can be personalized with your message, design, or logo. Each piece carries the dedication of generations, crafted with the same spirit that has sustained these villages for hundreds of years.

Let your fan speak your story—crafted by hand, steeped in heritage.