Fan thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Fan

1730-1769 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This fan shows a variety of image and pattern-making techniques combined in a single item. An image is painted on a ground of paper that is stamped and embossed with fine and varied lace-like patterns that suggests woven or lattice work screens. The painted image of an embracing couple with floral and landscape elements suggest a lover’s tryst. A parasol and what could be a small dressing table and tray of fruit occupy the leftmost area of the image while a large blossoming flower at the right side balances the composition. This fan is an example of English Chinoiserie. The term denotes decorative fantasies produced by European artists and based on East Asian themes, as opposed to imitation of true Chinese forms.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved bone and stamped and painted paper
Brief description
English, 1730-1769, chinoiserie, printed, painted and punched paper leaf, carved bone sticks
Physical description
The fan has bone sticks and guards. The sticks are carved along the edges, but undecorated on either side. The guards are carved in a floral pattern. The paper leaf is stamped in a variety of patterns and painted, chinoiserie style, with a floral design, a miniature landscape and two chinese figures.
Dimensions
  • Closed length: 27.8cm
  • Closed width: 3.2cm
  • Open length: 28cm
  • Open width: 41.5cm
Style
Credit line
Given by Avril Hart
Object history
Historical significance: The paper leaf is stamped or punched with a repeat of several designs on the folds. It is possible to see that when the leaf was being stamped, unwanted areas were padded so that only specific parts were punched.
Summary
This fan shows a variety of image and pattern-making techniques combined in a single item. An image is painted on a ground of paper that is stamped and embossed with fine and varied lace-like patterns that suggests woven or lattice work screens. The painted image of an embracing couple with floral and landscape elements suggest a lover’s tryst. A parasol and what could be a small dressing table and tray of fruit occupy the leftmost area of the image while a large blossoming flower at the right side balances the composition. This fan is an example of English Chinoiserie. The term denotes decorative fantasies produced by European artists and based on East Asian themes, as opposed to imitation of true Chinese forms.
Collection
Accession number
T.112-1999

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Record createdFebruary 20, 2002
Record URL
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