Late 19th Century Signed J Billvas Hand Painted Silk Fan in Original Simon Loscertales Bona Roma Box

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Late 19th Century Signed J Billvas Hand Painted Silk Fan in Original Simon Loscertales Bona Roma Box

This magnificent late … Read more Late 19th Century Signed J Billvas Hand Painted Silk Fan in Original Simon Loscertales Bona Roma Box

This magnificent late Victorian Rococo Revival hand fan is a masterclass in the artisanal luxury of the late 1800s. The fan features a delicate silk leaf, meticulously hand-painted with a romantic fête champêtre garden scene depicting aristocratic figures in period dress amidst a lush park setting. The artwork is signed by the artist J Billvas, which signifies a level of bespoke quality and fine detail that far exceeds the standard souvenir fans produced during this era. The silk leaf is expertly mounted on elegant cream colored cellulose sticks, which served as a high-end Victorian ivory substitute. These sticks are further embellished with ornate fretwork and hand-applied gold floral accents that shimmer as the fan catches the light.

About the Company
The original fitted wooden storage box bears a prestigious brass nameplate inscribed with the name Simon Loscertales Bona Roma. Simon Loscertales Bona was a legendary Spanish firm renowned for producing museum-quality furniture and luxury accessories for the European elite with prestigious branches in Rome, Madrid, and Paris. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and for catering to the highest levels of society, a piece with this retail provenance indicates it was originally purchased as a high-luxury personal accessory. The existence of this original branded case has not only provided a clear historical context for the fan but has served as the primary reason for its exceptional preservation over the last century.

Historical Significance
During the late 19th century, there was a widespread cultural fascination with the 18th-century Rococo period known as the Rococo Revival. This fan is a quintessential example of that movement, capturing the playful and romantic spirit of the pastoral party, or fête champêtre. At the time, fans were essential social tools for communication and status, and a hand-painted silk piece from a premier retailer like Loscertales Bona would have been a prized possession of a lady of means. This piece also marks an interesting technological transition in luxury goods, as master artisans began using cellulose to achieve the intricate carvings of ivory, offering greater durability for the folding mechanism.

Artisan Signature and Detail
The signature J Billvas elevates this piece from a decorative object to a work of fine art. The artist uses a soft tonal palette to create a sense of depth and movement in the garden scene, with particular attention to the folds of the silk gowns and the atmospheric light of the sky. The reverse of the fan features a more minimalist pastoral landscape, making the piece visually engaging from every angle. This level of double-sided artistry is a hallmark of premium Victorian fan construction.

Specifications and Dimensions
Fan Open: 20 inches Wide by 10.5 inches High
Box: 12 inches Wide by 3 inches Deep by 2.5 inches High
Artist: J Billvas
Retailer: Simon Loscertales Bona Roma
Materials: Hand-painted silk leaf and carved cellulose with gold gilt accents
Era: Circa 1880 to 1900

Condition Report
The fan is in good antique condition and has been remarkably well preserved due to its century of storage inside the original protective case. The silk leaf remains structurally sound with vibrant colors and only light age-appropriate wear consistent with a genuine 19th-century textile. There is some minor paint loss on the decorative sticks and fretwork, as seen in the detail photos. The wooden box remains sturdy with a functional hinge, and the original brass retailer plate is firmly attached with a beautiful natural patina.

Designer’s Note
In the modern interior, this fan serves as a stunning architectural or vanity accent. I recommend displaying this piece in a custom shadow box to protect the silk while highlighting the intricate fretwork of the sticks. It is a perfect addition to a maximalist gallery wall or as a focal point on a bedroom dressing table. The combination of the dark romantic painting and the cream colored sticks makes it a versatile piece for rooms featuring the Quiet Luxury or Dark Academia aesthetic.

This signed J Billvas fan and its original Simon Loscertales Bona box represent a rare opportunity to acquire a complete set of European luxury history. Its verified Roman provenance and exquisite hand-painted details make it a premier acquisition for the serious collector of antique fans or the enthusiast of late Victorian high style. See less