Chinese Tortoiseshell Framed Painted Fan with Lacquer Box
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, 19th century
Object NameFan
Mediumtortoiseshell, paper, ivory, silk cord, metal braid and metal
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsOverall (Box closed: Height x Width x Depth): 70 × 345 × 85mm
Overall (Box Open: Height x Width x Depth): 125 × 345 × 110mm
Overall (Fan Open: Height x Width): 290 × 540mm
Overall (Box Open: Height x Width x Depth): 125 × 345 × 110mm
Overall (Fan Open: Height x Width): 290 × 540mm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS089821
About MeCarved tortoiseshell framed Chinese fan with hand-painted paper mount depicting court scenes. The fan has its own brown lacquer box featuring gold painted decoration on the outside. Fans have been part of Chinese culture for at least 3000 years. They could indicate status and gender and were used in religious ceremonies as well as performance, 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 discretely with potential suitors.
This type of fan is typical of those made in China in large quantities for export and were fashionable among Victorian ladies.
More About Me
The variety of materials used in the making of this fan have produced quite the colourful design!
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