Chinese Export fan with fitted lacquer box, 19th Century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th Century
This 19th-century Chinese export folding fan is presented in a fitted lacquer box featuring gilt figural and foliate decoration. The fan itself is constructed with a monture of pierced and relief-carved ivory or bone, creating an intricate framework for the leaf.
The leaf is crafted from paper and adorned with a hand-painted scene depicting various Chinese figures. When open, the fan measures 11.25 inches in height by 21 inches in width. The associated lacquer box measures 2.5 inches in height, 12.5 inches in width, and 3.25 inches in depth. The set is mounted within a shadow box frame. The ensemble shows signs of age, including minor wear to the paper at the folding seams, as well as lacquer damage, fading, and general disrepair on the storage box.
This piece illustrates the traditional craftsmanship associated with export items produced for the Western market during the 19th century.
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
- Materials
- ivory or bone, paper, lacquer
- Box dimensions
- 2.5" x 12.5" x 3.25"
- Fan dimensions
- 11.25" x 21" (open)
Design
- Box
- gilt figural and foliate decoration
- Monture
- pierced and relief-carved
- Fan leaf
- painted scene with Chinese figures
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.