Mid Edo Period (1615 - 1867), Iron, paper with silver and gold-leaf and bamboo.Menhari-gata (opening fan), sensu-gata (enlongated shape)Lenght: 33.5 cm. - Width open: 55 cm. Iron fan with an elegant shape, with nine bamboo ribs.Customarily carried in the hands or tucked in the obi (belt), the folding fan played a significant role in Japanese etiquette, especially on formal occasions, and was rarely ever out of a samurai's possession. Perhaps because it was considered such an ordinary item, it was easily employed as a suitable side arm with only minor modifications....