Accession#:
2019.11
Label/Maker:
Unknown
Date:
c. 1883
Object Details:
Large Brisé Fashion Hand Fan, 1883
Made in China
Feathers, Wood, Paint, Metal, Cording, and Thread
This large Brisé Hand fan includes orange feathers mounted on blades and topped with peacock eyes. the feather leaf connects with two rows of white thread strung through the quills on the reverse side of the fan. The obverse has a hand-painted scene of two brown and yellow birds surrounded by multi-colored flowers. The reverse side has a small multi-colored floral arrangement at center back. 18 sticks and guards are carved and pierced sandalwood with abstract geometric motifs. Two pale orange silk tassels are attached to a white cotton cord with a Chinese knot and suspended from a brass loop.
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Donated by Caroline Moller '57. This fan is part of a collection started by Donor's Grandmother, Fannie Parker Mallory Hemingway (July 10th, 1864- January 26th, 1948)
2019.11.24
Made in China
Feathers, Wood, Paint, Metal, Cording, and Thread
This large Brisé Hand fan includes orange feathers mounted on blades and topped with peacock eyes. the feather leaf connects with two rows of white thread strung through the quills on the reverse side of the fan. The obverse has a hand-painted scene of two brown and yellow birds surrounded by multi-colored flowers. The reverse side has a small multi-colored floral arrangement at center back. 18 sticks and guards are carved and pierced sandalwood with abstract geometric motifs. Two pale orange silk tassels are attached to a white cotton cord with a Chinese knot and suspended from a brass loop.
______________________________________________________
Donated by Caroline Moller '57. This fan is part of a collection started by Donor's Grandmother, Fannie Parker Mallory Hemingway (July 10th, 1864- January 26th, 1948)
2019.11.24
Reference:
Photo by Ya Zhen Called Heavenly Peace Street, the photo shows signs with Chinese characters and lanterns hanging. Canton is now called GuangzhouCultural Connections:
This late 19th century brisé hand fan from the Lasell Fashion Collection was produced in China during the Qing Dynasty. At this time, hand fans were created in smaller quantities by families and sold out of their workshops (Taggart). Materials and motifs highlighted high status, wealth, and sophistication. Feather hand fans were extremely expensive to produce which is why they were appealing to the aristocracy. Motifs of "birds and flowers symbolized beauty and gracefulness, making them a popular subject among young women" (Taggart). Due to increased interest in Eastern trade and culture, Chinese hand fan creators began crafting "export fans" and fan sticks specifically for the Western market. The decorations on these fans did not appeal to Chinese citizens and were rarely used as an accessory. (OMCA).
Sources:
Get a Handy Look at the History of Traditional Chinese Folding Fans by Emma Taggart June 20, 2020 https://mymodernmet.com/chinese-folding-fans-history/
OMCA http://collections.museumca.org/?q=collection-item/h20532
Sources:
Get a Handy Look at the History of Traditional Chinese Folding Fans by Emma Taggart June 20, 2020 https://mymodernmet.com/chinese-folding-fans-history/
OMCA http://collections.museumca.org/?q=collection-item/h20532
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