Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups

Chinese, for the European Market

Not on view

The strong association of the fan with Asia is reinforced by this design—featuring fans scattered across the leaf—made in China for the European market. A robust industry of fans designed for export to Europe developed in Guangdong in the eighteenth century, following the establishment of Guangzhou (Canton) as the exclusive center of foreign trade. Cantonese export fans were known especially for the fine carving of the ivory sticks.

Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups, Gouache on parchment; gilded ivory, Chinese, for the European Market

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Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups, Gouache on parchment; gilded ivory, Chinese, for the European Market
Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups, Gouache on parchment; gilded ivory, Chinese, for the European Market
Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups, Gouache on parchment; gilded ivory, Chinese, for the European Market
Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups, Gouache on parchment; gilded ivory, Chinese, for the European Market
Folding Fan with Trompe l'Oeil Representations of Fans, Scrolls, and Figure Groups, Gouache on parchment; gilded ivory, Chinese, for the European Market

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