Chinese Canton Carved Ivory Brise Fan, 19th Century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
This 19th-century Chinese Canton brise fan is crafted from carved ivory and measures 26cm in length. The fan is composed of nineteen individual sticks, accompanied by decorative guard sticks that feature intricate relief carvings depicting traditional scenes with figures, gardens, and pavilions.
The inner sticks are both pierced and carved on both sides with complementary imagery of figures and pavilions, creating an elaborate and delicate lace-like appearance. The sticks are held together by a uniting ribbon, which shows signs of wear and staining. The ivory exhibits some mild surface staining and evidence of residue and dirt consistent with its age. This piece is presented alongside a black lacquer storage box, providing both protection and a traditional housing for the delicate ivory structure.
The combination of expert carving techniques and the thematic focus on classical Chinese architectural and figural elements reflects the high level of craftsmanship synonymous with Canton export art from the Qing Dynasty period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 26cm
- Material
- ivory
- Components
- nineteen sticks, guard sticks, black lacquer box
- Condition notes
- uniting ribbon is worn, stained, and broken; mild staining and residue to ivory
Technical characteristics
- Type
- brise fan
Design
- Motifs
- figures, gardens, pavilions
- Carving
- relief and pierced
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.