Fan
Artist/Culture
Chinese
Date1800s
Mediumivory sticks with silk ribbon
DimensionsClosed: 18.6 × 1.8 × 3.3 cm (7 5/16 × 11/16 × 1 5/16 in.)
Open: 18.6 × 32 cm (7 5/16 × 12 5/8 in.)
Open: 18.6 × 32 cm (7 5/16 × 12 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Francis Thomas and Eliza Sturgis Paine
Terms
Object number1938.100
DescriptionPierced design, circular star motif at end of sticks, red silk ribbon threaded .875" from top. 26 sticks.Label TextThis ivory brisé fan was made in 19th century Canton in China. There were special workshops dedicated to making the thin ivory sticks and to carving delicate patterns. Some color prints that picture these craftsmen also survive today. This suggests the significant commercial demand towards carved ivory fans. While decorative designs on ivory fans sometimes include Chinese elements such as gardens and pavilions, this fan is exclusively decorated with European patterns. Chinese workshops producing export fans, similar to ceramic workshops that were dedicated to foreign markets, accepted orders from patrons with specific requirements for patterns and motifs. The flowers and plants design on this fan are reminiscent of the patterns on European textiles.
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