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

Fan

1870-1880 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The handscreen was a popular form of fan alongside the folding fan. Women generally used them indoors to protect their faces from fireside heat. Handscreens were usually produced in pairs and placed one on either end of the mantlepiece. This handscreen has a random covering of coloured pieces of paper depicting flowers, birds and figures. Middle-class women could buy these paper decorations in sheets and use them to decorate furniture, such as folding screens. These early forms of cut-outs were a very popular pastime.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Fan
  • Fan
Materials and techniques
Gauze, applied paper, silk and, carved and pierced ivory handle
Brief description
Pair of handscreen, France, 1870-1880
Physical description
Pair of handscreen with gauze, applied paper scraps, silk fringe, silk ribbons, and carved and pierced ivory handle.
Credit line
Given by Miss D. I. Field
Summary
The handscreen was a popular form of fan alongside the folding fan. Women generally used them indoors to protect their faces from fireside heat. Handscreens were usually produced in pairs and placed one on either end of the mantlepiece. This handscreen has a random covering of coloured pieces of paper depicting flowers, birds and figures. Middle-class women could buy these paper decorations in sheets and use them to decorate furniture, such as folding screens. These early forms of cut-outs were a very popular pastime.
Collection
Accession number
T.147&A-1980

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Record createdDecember 12, 2003
Record URL
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