Fan
1800-1825 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This fan, one of a pair of fans or hand screens (W.5-1944), was used to shield the face from the heat of the fire. Fans of this type could be found hanging either side of the fireplace or arranged decoratively on the mantelpiece.
Materials & Making
The technique of penwork involves the decoration of a wooden surface, usually a light-coloured timber such as sycamore, holly or pine, with designs in imitation of East Asian lacquer. The wooden surface was first painted black with areas reserved or left unpainted to create the design or pattern. Details were added in black indian ink with a fine quill pen, or in white paint, before a coat of protective varnish was applied. Often the natural darkening of the wood and the discolouring of the paint or varnish resulted in a yellowing effect, as seen on these fans.
Ownership & Use
Unlike the conventional folding fans, this example was not a fashion accessory for women to carry but was part of the furnishing of a room. However penwork is closely associated with women who enthusiastically used the technique to decorate many small items, such as boxes, fans or trays, as well as some large pieces of furniture.
This fan, one of a pair of fans or hand screens (W.5-1944), was used to shield the face from the heat of the fire. Fans of this type could be found hanging either side of the fireplace or arranged decoratively on the mantelpiece.
Materials & Making
The technique of penwork involves the decoration of a wooden surface, usually a light-coloured timber such as sycamore, holly or pine, with designs in imitation of East Asian lacquer. The wooden surface was first painted black with areas reserved or left unpainted to create the design or pattern. Details were added in black indian ink with a fine quill pen, or in white paint, before a coat of protective varnish was applied. Often the natural darkening of the wood and the discolouring of the paint or varnish resulted in a yellowing effect, as seen on these fans.
Ownership & Use
Unlike the conventional folding fans, this example was not a fashion accessory for women to carry but was part of the furnishing of a room. However penwork is closely associated with women who enthusiastically used the technique to decorate many small items, such as boxes, fans or trays, as well as some large pieces of furniture.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wood, decorated with penwork |
| Brief description | Penwork fan, English, 1800-1825 |
| Physical description | One of a pair of wooden fans, each with penwork decoration of a chinoiserie design of three figures on a landscape enclosed by a border of foliated ornament. Handles of turned ebonised wood. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Dr H. W. Dickinson |
| Summary | Object Type This fan, one of a pair of fans or hand screens (W.5-1944), was used to shield the face from the heat of the fire. Fans of this type could be found hanging either side of the fireplace or arranged decoratively on the mantelpiece. Materials & Making The technique of penwork involves the decoration of a wooden surface, usually a light-coloured timber such as sycamore, holly or pine, with designs in imitation of East Asian lacquer. The wooden surface was first painted black with areas reserved or left unpainted to create the design or pattern. Details were added in black indian ink with a fine quill pen, or in white paint, before a coat of protective varnish was applied. Often the natural darkening of the wood and the discolouring of the paint or varnish resulted in a yellowing effect, as seen on these fans. Ownership & Use Unlike the conventional folding fans, this example was not a fashion accessory for women to carry but was part of the furnishing of a room. However penwork is closely associated with women who enthusiastically used the technique to decorate many small items, such as boxes, fans or trays, as well as some large pieces of furniture. |
| Associated object | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.5A-1944 |
About this object record
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| Record created | May 1, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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