Fan
Date1750-1770
OriginEurope, France
MediumPaper (Mount); Mother-of-Pearl (Sticks); Gilt Leaf; Silver Leaf; Metallic Paint; Paint; Metal (Hinge)
DimensionsLength: 10 1/2"; Width (when Open): 17"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-229
DescriptionFan with paper mount with painted scene of seated classical warrior receiving tribute. To his right is a second soldier in armour, a bowing man offering a plate of gold coins, and two women kneeling before him. To the far right is a third soldier seated on a rock. To the warrior's left is a standing woman looking to the sky and a seated woman in green. To the far left is a female servant preparing food at a table with a cooking pot to the side. Their surroundings are a landscape with tent, castle, and soliders in armour in the background. The top edge of the mount depicts detailed painting of flowers, fruits, shells, and animals. Painted on the reverse are two women kneeling before a warrior in landscape with stream, castle, and tents under floral border. Mother-of-pearl guards and sticks pierced, engraved and inlaid with silver and gold with central medallion of 2 couples surrounded by garlands, trophies, and cupids. To the sides of the sticks on either side is a painted fountain with leaves and shells. The guards are designed with heavy scrollwork and a man and woman below a cupid on the upper portion of the guard. They may have been originally backed in micah or mother of pearl.
Construction History:
1. 1750-1770: Initially Constructed
2. Unknown Date: Green paint added to fountain carvings at either side of sticks
3. Unknown Date: Additional patches of mother-of-pearl added at back of broken sticks in an attempt to repair them. Some of these were done incorrectly and prevents the fan from closing. Front facing guard was broken at one point and readhered with a heavy amount of adhesive.
4. Unknown Date: At least one stick was removed when the fan was repaired. The second stick from the right next to the front facing fan guard is missing. Additionally, the left most fan guard has large pieces that have been replaced/repaired on both sides of the stick. Both fanguards are severly overpainted in black and metallic gold paint.
5. January 19, 1954: Cleaning, repairing, restoring by Ernest LoNano for Margaret Hunter Shop (possibly did the repairs above?)
