I'm a Fan of Maps

Maps: Finding Our Place in the World, at the Field Museum, Chicago
November 2, 2007 — January 27, 2008
Part of The Festival of Maps Chicago

China, Korea and Japan
Da Qing yitong er san sheng yudi quantu (Complete Map of the 23 Provinces of the Great Qing Dynasty)
Unidentified mapmaker, Chinese
1890
Printed map on fan

This fan is a clever solution to the problem of map portability. Such folding fans were an important part of the ceremonial dress of East Asian aristocrats and courtiers. The earliest examples with maps date from 16th century Japan.

Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division

Never get lost in the orient again!