Fan, carved ivory, China, 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 18th century
Fan of carved and pierced ivory. In the middle is a shield, which encloses a landscape with buildings and trees; the shield has an outer one of small rosettes. On either side is an oval figure, between two multi-foils, and two small octagonal figures of concave outline; each of these figures has a central rosette on a ground diapered with tiny rosettes. The ground of the pattern is a delicate lozenge fretwork.
Each of the sticks is surmounted with a rosette. The guards are carved with birds and floral stems. The sticks are tied together with a white silk ribbon. In a cardboard box, with applied ornaments of gilt paper.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Brought by Sir John Hayes from China at the end of the 18th century. Extracted from the donor's letter, dated July 31st, 1924: "...Chinese carved ivory fan. It belonged to my great-grandmother Lady Hayes. My great-grandfather Sir John Hayes, who was Commodore of the Indian navy, H. E. I. Co. brought it from China the end of the 18th century....
Sir John Hayes was the first navigator after Captain Cook, to explore the coast of Australia, many places were named by him and he mapped and explored Tasmania." Registered File number 1924/5128.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved and pierced ivory (possibly African ivory)
- Dimensions
- Length: 10.25 in; Width: 17 in
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- vam-O486461
- Museum object name
- Fan
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- T.84-1924
- Museum system number
- O486461
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.