London.- The Brunei Gallery at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London is proud to present “Traditions Revised – Japanese Fans from the Ishizumi Family Collection ” on view through March 24th. People usually perceive folding fans as simple implements to cool one-self. Collectors of antique folding fans see them as decorative art. This exhibition explores the history of the folding fan, its traditions and the culture of fans in Japan, from everyday items to cool one-self to communication tools, writing instruments, symbols of status, fine art and even weapons. During 18th and 19th Century Europe, ladies carried a folding fan in their daily life as a decorative and sometimes practical ornament with a variety of uses and secret meanings. Few art forms combine functional, ceremonial and decorative uses as elegantly as the fan.  Fewer still can match such diversity with a history stretching back at least 3,000 years.