Chinese Ivory Fan with Brown and Gold Lacquer Box
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, late 19th century
Object NameFan
Mediumivory, ostrich feather, silk, silk threads, metal, mother of pearl, wood, lacquer, glass and paper
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsOverall (Fan Open: Height x Width): 390 × 455mm
Overall (Box Closed: Height x Width x Depth): 75 × 412 × 85mm
Overall (Box Closed: Height x Width x Depth): 75 × 412 × 85mm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
LocationOn Display - Gallery 01
Object numberABDMS089820
About MeThis Chinese fan with embroidered satin mount is trimmed with white ostrich feathers along the top edge.
Fans have been part of Chinese culture for at least 3000 years and were used in religious ceremonies as well as performances, such as dance.
East Asian fans made their way to Europe through trade and were popular from the 13th and 14th centuries onwards. By the 18th century there had developed a language which allowed the carriers of fans to communicate discreetly with potential suitors.
This type of fan is typical of those made in China in large quantities for export and was fashionable in the Victorian era.
More About Me
In Chinese culture, fans are used by both men and women, and of all social statuses. The simple design on this fan suggests it was made for export to the West.
Exhibitions
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period, 1402 - 1424
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period, 1796-1820
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 15th - 16th century
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
1835
