A CNC-machined aluminum fan inspired by centuries of history, redesigned for modern everyday carry.
The folding fan holds a dual legacy in Chinese culture: as a scholar accessory, it was a quiet expression of taste, sentiment, and courtesy carried by poets, artists, and travelers; in martial tradition, it was called the commander of all weapons, wielded with effortless grace by warriors who turned a paper fan into a tool of agility, misdirection, and poise. Dian Chunfeng, the Modern Cockade Fan, draws on both lineages and reinterprets them through a minimalist, CNC-machined form built for everyday carry. When closed, the fan reads as a clean modern object: 15 cm long, 2 cm wide, roughly 74.5 grams, small enough to slip into a pocket or pouch, with a curved contour engineered for a comfortable palm grip. Hidden magnets in the handles bring the fan shut with a satisfying click that requires no effort to hold closed. Four fan pivots — rather than the traditional single pivot — anchor the ribs and add a subtle decorative touch, while the fan leaf is printed on heavy-weight matte offset paper and is designed to be replaced by the user: the pre-installed leaf and a spare are included, with a straightforward four-step replacement process. A deep-engraved logo is machined to such precision that the cutter tip is replaced after every few units to maintain quality. Two material versions are available: a standard aluminum build and a stonewashed titanium version that offers greater strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and a natural metallic luster with a matte finish that softens the appearance of everyday wear and minor scratches. Opening the fan is itself part of the experience: a quick wrist flick unfolds the circular silhouette in one fluid motion, transforming a compact modern object into the unmistakable form of a traditional round fan. The fan also serves as a personal cooling tool on warm days and, as the team notes, its exceptional material hardness makes it a reliable physical companion when needed. The Beijing-based studio has been designing EDC products since 2008, with a portfolio that includes titanium folding fans, metal hand warmers, and everyday tools.
