The fan, like many other elements of Japanese culture, originated in China. One source reports that Uchiwa (traditional non-folding fan) were first introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period (710-794), although some evidence appears to suggest an earlier date. Uchiwa were traditional accessories of both men and women and their use can still be seen today at Sumo competitions, Shinto ceremonies and other traditional events.
The Japanese Sensu (folding fan) possibly originated in Kyoto. It was constructed from paper or sometimes silk and usually had bamboo ribs. Originally this type of folding fan was known as Komori, which is the Japanese for "bat". If the bat’s wings were the inspiration for the folding fan or if this name was used because of the resemblance is not known.
The Sensu was more practical for everyday use than the Uchiwa as it could be folded and worn thrust through the obi (waist band) or kept in a small box. Sensu with white papers were often used by young lords and ladies in the middle ages to write down love poems which would be presented to the subject of their affections. Devoted Buddhists would also use white paper fans for copying some important paragraphs of Sutra (Buddhist scriptures) that could be kept close at hand.
Along with other classes in Japan the Sensu became an accepted part of the dress code of the Bushi, The Sensu is obviously a very impractical weapon, but occasions would occur when Bushi were required to abandon their normal weapons (such as during an audience with their superiors), however one of the few things they were allowed to retain was the Sensu. It was for these situations that martial uses for the fan were developed. This along with certain other factors led to the development of the Tessen and Tessen Jutsu.
Early practical experimentation with the Sensu would soon have shown that its major flaw as a weapon was the weakness of its construction. It could not have been long after this that the idea occurred of replacing the bamboo and paper with iron and silk, and then the Tessen (iron-fan) came into being.
Early techniques for using the Tessen would probably have used it closed as an impact weapon or for blocking. Mane (imitation)Tessen, or by their classical name Ketessen (counterfeit/provisional) were non-opening solid pieces of iron crafted to look like a closed fan and would have been particularly suited to this type of use. Over many years the use of the Tessen became very sophisticated among certain groups of high ranking Bushi (those who were likely to spend a lot of their time disarmed at court); techniques for its use both open and closed were developed.
The lowest ranking Samurai were probably not taught any Tessen Jutsu at all as they would be unlikely to require such skills; this would also put higher ranking Samurai at an advantage. Middle and upper ranking Samurai would have perhaps been taught the use of the Tessen as a striking/blocking weapon and Mane Tessen would have been suitable for these purposes and the single piece construction made them cheaper to construct. It was perhaps only the highest ranking Bushi who had the time and the education to practise and develop the full range of Tessen techniques.
Prior to the attempted invasion of 1274 by Kublai Khan's Mongolian army Samurai generally fought as individuals but these tactics were found to be useless against a well disciplined army. With the new need for tactical army manoeuvres Tessen (along with the Gunbai Uchiwa) also found a place on the battlefield; they were used by high ranking Bushi for directing troops and signalling orders. When not in use the Tessen would be hung by a silk cord from a ring on the front of the armour.
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The Samurai depicted in the bronze figure is in full battle dress, he can be seen wielding a pair of Tessen, one open and the other closed. The quality of his armour indicates that he is a high ranking officer, possibly a general. The figure is an excellent example of the Tessen being used as a signalling device, passing orders onto troops or a lieutenant. |
After the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and the abolition of the Samurai class many aspects of Japanese culture were modernised or abandoned; this included the martial arts and particularly the use of the Tessen which had no place in the new, modern Japan. Fortunately certain stubborn individuals would not abandon the past and today a few martial Ryu still contain Tessen techniques
Kaze Arashi Ryu has preserved both aspects of the Tessen, its use as a weapon and its use as a signalling device where movements and actions with the Tessen have specific meanings. In fact the language of the Tessen as used by the Kaze Arashi Ryu is sophisticated enough that past Headmasters have created fan 'dances'. These relate stories of past deeds, or events that gave insight into a particular facet of martial application and are passed down from generation to generation.
To try to add Tessen techniques to a modern system of martial arts would be pointless as the type of situation that drove the development of Tessen Jutsu no longer exists. However in traditional Bujutsu systems that value their heritage the arts of the Tessen still find a home.
All Text and Pictures (c) Kaze Arashi Ryu & J.Melvin.
Created: Sept. 97 Last Updated: Dec. 98