Antique Belle Époque Painted Silk and Mother-of-Pearl Framed Fan

Details

Description

On offer is a stunning example of an antique European folding fan, dating roughly from the late 19th century to … Read more On offer is a stunning example of an antique European folding fan, dating roughly from the late 19th century to early 20th century (the Belle Époque or late Victorian/Edwardian era). Fans of this size (12"h x 24"w when opened) and material composition were luxurious fashion accessories, often used as decorative display items in shadowbox frames during the 20th century.
Here is a breakdown of its features, construction, and historical context:

FEATURES: The fan's leaf is made of delicate silk fabric. It features a delicately hand-painted vignette at the center depicting a woman in a long, striped bustle skirt sitting in a garden or courtyard playing a guitar. This specific scene reflects the 19th-century romantic fascination with Spanish motifs and troubadour melodies. The background of the silk features subtle, monochrome floral and foliage decorations flanking the central scene.

The inner sticks and outer guards are carved from highly iridescent mother of pearl. The lower section forms an open semi-circle that showcases a luminous play of color, shifting between pink, green, and silver undertones, under changing light.

A traditional decorative silk tassel is attached to the metal rivet loop at the bottom. This allowed the user to hang the fan from her wrist or secure it safely.

FRAME: The fan has been custom-mounted inside a deep shadowbox frame lined with rich wine-colored velvet fabric. The backing board shows standard brown kraft paper backing wire, common for mid-to-late 20th-century preservation framing.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Nonexistent. Fan dimensions: 12 inches high x 24 inches wide. See less