also: さしば
noun
large ceremonial fan; face-hiding fan
Historical object used in ancient Japanese court ceremonies. An attendant would hold this large fan-shaped object to conceal the face of a noble or to shield them from view. Now primarily encountered in historical or cultural contexts.
平安時代の貴族は、翳で顔を隠すことがあった。
Heian-period nobles sometimes hid their faces with a sashiha.
祭りの行列で、翳を持った従者が歩いていた。
In the festival procession, an attendant walked carrying a large ceremonial fan.
Alternate kanji spelling, rarely used.
Alternate kanji spelling, rarely used.
Voiced variant reading, also used.
The kanji 翳 means 'shade' or 'screen', reflecting its use as a shielding object. The reading さしは likely derives from 差し (sashi, 'holding up') + 羽 (ha, 'feather/wing'), referring to the fan-like shape. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.