Gumbai Uchiwa Stereo Viewer

Japan, 1950s

This small, green metal stereoscope looks like it could fold flat, but it doesn’t — the cardholder and lens board stay upright. What attracted us to this viewer was the traditional war fans — gumbai uchiwa — embossed into the metal. Like the viewer's non-folding structure, the gumbai uchiwa (also spelled “gunbai uchiwa”) doesn't fold flat like a traditional fan—it’s a rigid, paddle-like fan made of wood or iron. Historically, Samurai generals used them to direct battlefield moves; in modern times, they’re used as ceremonial fans for sumo wrestling referees to direct matches. The referees use the gumbai to signal decisions, as seen in one of the six gelatin silver views that came with the viewer. The fan is also featured prominently in the Naruto anime series.

Our thanks to Torin Boyd for helping provide research for this viewer.

Primary Material: Metal
Media Format: Card
Light Source: Natural light
Focus: Fixed
Interocular: Fixed