Fan
Artist/Culture
Chinese
Date19th Century
Mediumcarved ivory
Dimensions27.3 x 43.8 cm (10 3/4 x 17 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel T. Hobbs, through the bequest of Mrs. Anna N. W. Hobbs
Terms
Object number1957.62
Label TextThis ivory brisé fan is an exquisite example of high-quality ivory fans produced in Canton (Guangdong) in China. The ivory sticks are extraordinarily narrow, thin and delicate among other ivory fans in the museum’s collection. Treated in a special acid solution, the artisan of this fan was able to carve the inside of each ivory stick into tiny threads. The thin ivory appears extremely white and shining. All these characteristics give to the fan a visual effect of gauze or lace, as lace fans were greatly valued by royal families in Spain, France and Italy since the 17th century. Elegant flowers and birds are decorated throughout the surface of the fan. Two symmetrical medallions are carved with pavilion and pagoda motifs, evoking the aesthetics of chinoiserie, welcomed by foreign consumers. In the center a blank spot in the shape of a coat of arms was deliberately left empty, making it easy for the fan importers to customize it to particular buyers. This practice also indicates that such types of fans was a desirable product exported in a considerable quantity to Europe and the U.S.On View
Not on view