Fan
Datec. 1775
OriginEurope, Netherlands
MediumPaper (Mount); Ivory (Sticks and Guards); Wood (ribs), Paint, Gold Gilt Paint
DimensionsLength: 10'; Width When Open: 17 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-226
DescriptionPaper mounted fan on ivory sticks. Sticks and guards are plain faced with carved edges designed so that, when closed, the side of the fan sticks resembles a chevron pattern. Mount design is painted with large center design of a woman holding a jar on her shoulder with a small child being greeted by a man in turban, robes and cane. A second woman holding a small child stands in the doorway to a home with two buildings in the scene's background. The far left and right each has a medallion bordered in green with gilt embellishments with designs painted in sepia. The left medallion depicts a woman seated against a tree with a city in the background. The right medallion shows a small sheep and lamb lying down in a wooded area. In between the center and left scenes is a small medallion with a border of open, gilt dots with a scene of a beehive done entirely in blue. A similar medallion is also in between the right and center medallion but depicts an unidentified, round fruit. Each medallion and scene is connected by a vine rendered in gilt. The remaining space on the fan mount is filled with floral sprays in green, rose, blue, yellow, and gold. The reverse of the fan has exposed ribs and depicts a rose spray in center, painted quickly with very little detail.
Construction History:
1. Initially constructed ca. 1755
2. Unknown Date: It is possible that this fan once had an additional paper on the back that has since been removed as evidenced by the exposed ribs and adhesive remnants at the top of the fan back
3. Unknown Date: The paper mount may have originally been mounted on different sticks or had additional ribs. Scars/adhesive residue from where ribs had previously been mounted are evident on the fan's reverse.
