Fan
Artist
Chinese
Date18th century
MediumIvory sticks, watercolor on paper, both sides.
Dimensions21 cm (8 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Anna M. Sawyer
Object number1910.41
Descriptionivory sticks, 18. Two bands of figures and scenes water color on paper, both sides. Figures have painted ivory faces. Black and gold lacquered box.Label TextFans made with eighteen plain ivory sticks without openwork carvings, as well as two bands of paper leaves painted in rich colors, were common like fan 1912.23. Such similarity in structure and generic decorative patterns of these two fans illustrate that the fans were produced in a large group to meet the market demand. The two fans were highly likely to be manufactured by the same workshops. Human figures depicted on the two fans wear the Manchu attire of the ruling class. Compared to Han Chinese clothing, the Manchu clothing were famous for their luxuriant colors, intricate embroidery and lavish materials. These features are strengthened here as the clothing of the human figures were real silk textiles pasted onto the paper ground. Such a fan that heightens ornamental effect specifically caters to the export market. In the Chinese domestic market, fans with simple structure and materials were more appreciated. Monochrome ink paintings and calligraphy on paper or plain silk was embraced as elegant decoration. Simple, often uncarved bamboo and wood sticks were used instead of expensive ivory.
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