Located in the heart of Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Ibasen is more than just a fan brand; it embodies over four centuries of craftsmanship, tradition, and steadfast dedication. Founded in 1590, the company is now led by Nobuo Yoshida, the 14th generation, who upholds the family motto: “By living sincerely and diligently every day, one can achieve great things that shake the world.” This guiding principle continues to inspire Ibasen’s commitment to quality and trust.
This belief in honest work and consistent quality has allowed Ibasen to endure through fires, earthquakes, war, and the tides of modernization, all while retaining its identity as a purveyor of products that bring both beauty and meaning to daily life. With a deep respect for heritage and a commitment to future generations, Ibasen continues to craft fans and washi paper goods that are both timeless and treasured.
The Art of the Floating World: Ukiyo-e and Ibasen Fans
Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” is a traditional Japanese woodblock print style that flourished during the Edo period. These works captured the beauty of everyday life, from landscapes to kabuki actors, and became a lasting symbol of Japanese visual culture.
At Omakase, we are honored to offer a carefully crafted Ibasen fan featuring an authentic ukiyo-e print, a rare blend of artistry and tradition preserved in a functional form.
Edo Folding Fan Ukiyo-e Katsushika Hokusai The Great Wave
One of the most popular Ukiyo-e depictions is the Edo Folding Fan featuring Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”. This powerful image from the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series captures the energy of a crashing wave, its force contrasting with the calm presence of Mount Fuji in the background. Crafted with elegant bamboo ribs and paired with a display stand, this fan is both a functional item and a striking homage to Japan’s most famous ukiyo-e masterpiece.
Edo Folding Fan Ukiyo-e Utagawa Hiroshige White Rain at Shono
Another highlight of our collection is the Edo Folding Fan featuring Utagawa Hiroshige’s “White Rain at Shono”. Taken from Hiroshige’s famous Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō series, the scene captures travelers braving a sudden downpour, a powerful moment of nature frozen in woodblock form. Framed in smooth bamboo and accompanied by a custom display stand, this fan serves as both a functional object and a striking piece of art.
Edo Folding Fan Ukiyo-e Katsushika Hokusai Red Fuji
This fan depicts the Edo Folding Fan features Katsushika Hokusai’s “Red Fuji” from his Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series. This fan captures Mount Fuji glowing red under the morning sun, set against a vivid blue sky and delicate clouds, a powerful symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. Made with polished bamboo ribs for strength and grace, and accompanied by a display stand, it serves as both a practical fan and an elegant work of art.
The Elegant Dance Fan: A Fan Beyond Function
Unlike typical folding fans designed for everyday use, this exquisite mai-sensu or dance fan features a shimmering gold foil background that transforms it into a stunning display piece. Revered in classical Japanese dance, its artistry shines brightest when showcased or used in performance.
Gold Foil Folding Fan Camellia and Cherry Blossom
This exquisite folding fan features a radiant gold foil background that beautifully highlights a delicate hand-painted camellia on one side and cherry blossom motifs on the other.
In Japanese culture, the camellia flower symbolizes strength, elegance, and perseverance, while the cherry blossom flower represents life’s fleeting beauty and renewal. Together, these flowers create a harmonious balance of enduring grace and ephemeral charm, reflecting the deep appreciation of nature and artistry central to Japanese tradition.
A Legacy Unfolded: The Timeless Art of Ibasen Fans
Through centuries of change, Ibasen’s fans remain gentle whispers of history, delicate yet enduring, simple yet profound. They carry the breath of Edo’s streets, the brushstrokes of master artists, and the timeless values of trust and sincerity. In each fold lies a story, a legacy that continues to inspire and connect us to Japan’s rich cultural soul. To own an Ibasen fan is to hold a piece of art that moves not only the hand but also the heart.
