Fan
ca. 1780-1790 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The folding fan with an attached pleated leaf originated in Japan and was introduced to Europe in the second half of the 16th century. The principles of construction of the Japanese version were adopted, but with European decoration. Carving and painting skills specific to fan production soon developed. A fan was an essential accessory in the formal dress of a wealthy woman. Although its original function was to cool the face, the fan soon became an important tool in non-verbal communication. The manner in which a lady held and moved her fan conveyed her feelings toward those around her.
This fan is made from pleated dark green silk decorated with a gilt edge. Carved in relief across the ivory sticks (in the part of the fan knows as the 'gorge') is the figure of a reclining semi-naked woman. The scene may represent the 'Toilette of Venus'. 'The toilette' describes the process of getting dressed, and was a popular subject in French art of the 18th Century. The guardsticks are carved with the figure of a young girl in classical dress playing a tambourine above her head at one end, and a young man in the costume of the 1780's playing a lute at the other.
This fan is made from pleated dark green silk decorated with a gilt edge. Carved in relief across the ivory sticks (in the part of the fan knows as the 'gorge') is the figure of a reclining semi-naked woman. The scene may represent the 'Toilette of Venus'. 'The toilette' describes the process of getting dressed, and was a popular subject in French art of the 18th Century. The guardsticks are carved with the figure of a young girl in classical dress playing a tambourine above her head at one end, and a young man in the costume of the 1780's playing a lute at the other.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Pleated silk, carved and etched ivory, paste |
Brief description | Pleated silk fan with carved and etched ivory, France, ca. 1780-1790 |
Physical description | Dark green pleated silk fan with a gilt edge and carved and etched ivory sticks and guard. Neo-classical motifs. Paste-set rivets. |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by HM Queen Mary |
Object history | Formerly in the collection of HM Queen Mary |
Summary | The folding fan with an attached pleated leaf originated in Japan and was introduced to Europe in the second half of the 16th century. The principles of construction of the Japanese version were adopted, but with European decoration. Carving and painting skills specific to fan production soon developed. A fan was an essential accessory in the formal dress of a wealthy woman. Although its original function was to cool the face, the fan soon became an important tool in non-verbal communication. The manner in which a lady held and moved her fan conveyed her feelings toward those around her. This fan is made from pleated dark green silk decorated with a gilt edge. Carved in relief across the ivory sticks (in the part of the fan knows as the 'gorge') is the figure of a reclining semi-naked woman. The scene may represent the 'Toilette of Venus'. 'The toilette' describes the process of getting dressed, and was a popular subject in French art of the 18th Century. The guardsticks are carved with the figure of a young girl in classical dress playing a tambourine above her head at one end, and a young man in the costume of the 1780's playing a lute at the other. |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.217-1959 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | October 2, 2007 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest