Fan
The pierced decoration of the sticks on this fan is unusually detailed, refined and complex. They were undoubtedly imported from China, where techniques for fine ivory carving had been practiced for centuries. The scenes of affectionate family life have a particular intimacy when depicted on a personal accessory. The still life imagery on the reverse leaf evokes Dutch still life paintings.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fan
- Date: third quarter 18th century
- Culture: probably Dutch
- Medium: ivory, parchment, gouache, metal
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of George Arents in memory of Annie Walter Arents, 1949
- Object Number: 2009.300.1817
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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