Carried by the Breeze: A Sustainable Summer, Reimagined
Following our beloved "Flower Uchiwa Series," we are proud to introduce the first installment of our new "Vegetable Series." At its heart is an uchiwa crafted using "vegetable paper" - an eco-friendly material born from the discarded parts of vegetables and plants. The moment you hold it, the spirit of a Japanese summer arrives on the breeze, along with a quiet but firm commitment to our planet.
A Second Life for What Was Once Forgotten
"Vegetable paper" is an eco-friendly paper material made by incorporating parts of vegetables and plants that would otherwise be discarded. Each sheet carries its own unique texture and tone — a natural fingerprint that no mass-produced material can replicate. The warm amber hues of onion skin and the organic patterns woven by its fibers give this uchiwa a character entirely its own. Rather than something disposable, this is an object that grows more meaningful with time — a philosophy of sustainability embodied in a single fan.
This Season's Star: A Closer Look at the Onion
Few vegetables have accompanied human civilization as faithfully as the onion. Believed to have been cultivated since ancient times — with records tracing back as far as ancient Egypt — it has found its way into the kitchens and cultures of virtually every corner of the world. Its remarkable ability to transform under heat, shifting from sharp and pungent to deeply sweet and mellow, has made it an indispensable supporting character in cuisines from East to West.
Yet for this series, our attention turns to the part most of us discard without a second thought: the outer skin. Those thin, papery layers are far more than waste. Rich in natural pigments, onion skins have long been used as a dye in traditional textile crafts, yielding warm tones that range from pale amber to deep golden brown — colors that nature has quietly perfected over time. In the Vegetable Series, we celebrate exactly this kind of overlooked beauty, giving it new life through the time-honored art of Marugame Uchiwa.
The Artisan's Touch: Reverence for the Material
This uchiwa was brought to life by the hands of artisan Takatoku Asano. With deep respect for the delicacy of vegetable paper, Asano-san coaxes the material's inherent beauty into perfect harmony with the refined bamboo frame. The result is a piece that carries the softness of washi paper alongside the humble warmth unique to plant-derived materials — something that feels alive in your hands. In each split of bamboo and each careful stroke, the spirit of true Marugame craftsmanship breathes quietly within.
About Marugame Uchiwa
As the largest producer of traditional Japanese uchiwa fans, Marugame has been celebrated for its remarkable production capacity and diverse designs since the Edo period. The red emblem on the package is the official mark of authenticity, certified by the Kagawa Prefecture Uchiwa Cooperative Association, confirming that every fan is handcrafted in Japan. In 1997, Marugame Uchiwa was registered as a Japanese Traditional Craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry — a recognition that continues to inspire every fan made today.
Our Belief
We believe that a Marugame Uchiwa is more than a tool for cooling — it is a small work of art that enriches everyday life. The Vegetable Series adds a new dimension to that belief: sustainability as beauty. To make full use of what the earth offers, and to transform it into something meaningful — this is the challenge unique to Marugame Uchiwa, where the rhythms of nature and human craft resonate as one. We hope this piece brings not only a refreshing breeze to your summer, but a deeper sense of wonder as well.
Product Page:
https://marugameuchiwa.com/products/vegetable-paper-onion
