In the summer, fans are indispensable tools that bring us a much needed cool breeze. Fans have a long history in China. It is not only a simple tool, but also carries much cultural significance with close links with bamboo culture and Buddhism. Fans come in different varieties, including feather fans, cattail leaf fans, circular fans, folding fans and sandalwood fans. The fans used in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) royal court were superb in quality and could even be considered fine artworks. Let's take a look at some Qing Dynasty fans in the Palace Museum's collections.

A fan from the Qing Dynasty royal court. [Photo/Official Weibo account of the Palace Museum]