The first mention of a fan in the hands of a Japanese person dates from the middle of the eighth century. Emperors often gave an exquisitely painted fan to members of the imperial court. Beautiful women hid their faces behind fans, wishing to preserve the lightness of their skin. Military leaders outlined their operations on fans, giving signals to their forces to direct battles. In Japanese fairy tales the fan plays the role of a magic wand, and in rituals it serves as a symbol of the blossoming of life. On the card, a Japanese fan is decorated with an image of cherry blossoms.