Hamsa hand-fan
The project was created in a fourth year course entitled "Design and Society - Wood and Cultures".
A combination of the traditional Japanese hand-fan and the Israeli Hamsa.
Hamsa is a palm shaped amulet that is very common in both Judaism and Islam. Its name comes from the word "Hamesh" in Hebrew, which means "Five". The Japanese hand-fan is a popular gift in special events, just like the Hamsa in the Jewish and Muslim cultures. Both gifts are given as a token of good friendship and kind regards. They are used as an amulet for good luck and to protect the receiver from evil. The design of the hand-fan creates a visual dialogue between the Japanese minimalism and the middle-eastern design of the Hamsa.
The hand-fan is made from American Walnut wood and Maple wood.
The ring element can be used for a comfortable grip of the closed hand-fan,and also as a decorative
artefact (just like the Hamsa, which is commonly hung on the wall at the entrance of the house).
Locking the angle of the hand-fan by using the spaces caused when opening it.
The hinge of the hand-fan is designed in the shape of a flower, in tribute to the traditional Japanese hand-fan decoration.
The flowers in the Japanese culture are a symbol of life.
