A Vent de bohème hand fan is chosen first for its hand-drawn pattern, then for the quality of its craftsmanship. Here is what to look for before you buy, along with our articles to learn all about this accessory, from how it is made to its history.

PAJARO wood and cotton hand fan, held in hand in a flower garden

Choosing the right hand fan

The pattern

Our patterns are drawn by hand, then printed on a premium cotton leaf with high-definition, eco-friendly inks.

The sticks

Sticks in polished birch wood: sturdier than a paper fan or a standard promotional fan.

The size

23 cm sticks. Fully open, the fan measures 42 cm across.

The craftsmanship

Our fans are handcrafted in Spain: the fabric is sized and pleated, then mounted on the sticks by hand.

Custom hand fans

For a wedding, an event or a brand, we make custom hand fans with your logo or an exclusive pattern. Quote within 24 hours, production in 15 days. All about custom hand fans.

Materials and craftsmanship

Close-up of dried plant fibres

A guide to the materials used to make hand fans

From silk to plastic: an overview of the materials used to make a hand fan. (article in French)

Green leaves against a wooden background

Wood, paper, fabric or bamboo: pros and cons

The strengths and limitations of each material for a hand fan. (article in French)

Brightly painted paper parasols

Traditional hand fan making techniques

In Asia, Europe and Africa: the know-how of fan-making craftspeople. (article in French)

Ivy leaf under a glass dome on a wooden background

The ecological impact of hand fan materials

The most common materials under scrutiny, and more sustainable alternatives. (article in French)

History and cultures

Spanish fan painted by Édouard Manet

The hand fan: its history and uses

From its origins in China and Japan to flamenco Spain: the history of the fan, its language and its uses.

Dancer in a ruffled skirt holding a green fan

The Spanish hand fan: its history and uses

An iconic accessory of Spain: its history, traditions and uses. (article in French)

Woman holding an orange fan against a white background

The Japanese hand fan: origins and uses today

The origins of the Japanese fan and its uses, then and now. (article in French)

Woman in traditional dress holding a fan in a garden

The hand fan in China, since the Jin dynasty

Art, symbolism and cultural influence of the fan in China. (article in French)

Dark-haired woman holding a lace fan

The hand fan in Europe, adopted by the nobility

How the fan won over the European nobility. (article in French)

Rows of colourful paper parasols

The history of hand fan making in France

A journey back in time: the history of fan making in France. (article in French)

Chinese martial arts practitioner in a stance, in a field

The hand fan in Chinese martial arts

History, techniques and symbolism of the fan in Chinese martial arts. (article in French)

Discover more

Woman holding a palm-leaf fan

The Anne Hoguet Fan Museum

The Paris museum devoted to the fan, and its collections. (article in French)

Red gift box at the foot of a Christmas tree

Be different: give a hand fan for Christmas!

An original gift idea for the festive season. (article in French)

Portrait of a woman holding a fan

The plural of éventail in French

Éventails or éventaux? The answer in a few lines, with a smile. (article in French)

PAJARO hand fan in birch wood and cotton

Custom-made hand fans

Logo, exclusive pattern, brand colours: our custom hand fans for businesses and events.

Discover the hand fan collection