Fan
Object Type
The folding fan 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 wide range of pictorial subjects became popular for fan illustration.
Ownership & Use
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.
Subjects Depicted
This rare late 17th-century fan depicts a domestic scene in a pastoral setting. The little boy or girl is in a child's dress, specially equipped with tapes from the shoulders to steady the child when learning to walk.
The folding fan 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 wide range of pictorial subjects became popular for fan illustration.
Ownership & Use
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.
Subjects Depicted
This rare late 17th-century fan depicts a domestic scene in a pastoral setting. The little boy or girl is in a child's dress, specially equipped with tapes from the shoulders to steady the child when learning to walk.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Brief description | Folding fan probably made in France, ca. 1690, and fan box made in Paris by Vanier-Chardin, late 19th century |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
The figures on this fan are dressed fashionably, like the Clapham dolls. A young child takes his first steps, supported by 'leading strings' from the shoulders. Fans came to be associated with flirting. In 1711 the 'Spectator' newspaper satirized their use: 'Women are armed with Fans as Men with Swords, and sometimes do more execution with them.'(27/03/2003) |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Object Type The folding fan 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 wide range of pictorial subjects became popular for fan illustration. Ownership & Use 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. Subjects Depicted This rare late 17th-century fan depicts a domestic scene in a pastoral setting. The little boy or girl is in a child's dress, specially equipped with tapes from the shoulders to steady the child when learning to walk. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.169&A-1986 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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