The parasol was the preserve of high ranking royalty in ancient China almost 1,700 years ago. Popular in Japan, Korea and even Persia, it was introduced to France and England in the seventeenth century.

Since antiquity fans have been a status symbol and a useful ornament. They have been used for cooling, air circulation, a ceremonial device and as a sartorial accessory throughout the world from ancient times. Fans were part of the social status for the Chinese people. A particular status and gender would link a specific type of fan to an individual. The folding fan was invented in Japan in the 8th century and taken to China in the 9th century. In the 1600s the folding fan, introduced from China, became popular in Europe.