The Hand Fan as a Collectible in the Periphery: Hand Fans in Alma M. Karlin’s Collection

What is it about?

This article explores the cultural significance of Asian hand fans, focusing specifically on Alma M. Karlin's collection in Slovenia. It highlights the fans’ evolution from practical items to sought-after collectibles, emphasizing their roles in communication, fashion, and rituals. The piece investigates motivations for collecting, the complexities of categorizing fans, and the implications of terms like "Oriental" and "ethnographic," which reflect broader socio-political narratives. By situating Karlin's collection within the Western context, the article critiques dominant imperialist narratives, revealing unique insights from a peripheral perspective.

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Photo by Daniel Apodaca on Unsplash

Photo by Daniel Apodaca on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is unique and timely as it uncovers the under-explored realm of hand fan collecting in Slovenia, where only three museums hold significant East Asian collections. Analyzing these collections reveals how collectors’ backgrounds shape their relationships with objects, reflecting broader social contexts. While interest in collectibles like paintings has long existed, fans have received less academic attention. By examining Alma Karlin’s collection, we highlight how her socioeconomic circumstances influenced her collecting journey. This study elevates understanding of fan significance, showcasing diverse styles and local craftsmanship. Slovene museums house only three East Asian collections with a significant number of fans. The analysis of these collections and the collectors’ backgrounds shows the relationship collectors have with the objects they acquire, and these relationships also represent collectors’ broad social parameters.

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