German or Swiss gold, enamel and ivory brise fan
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This German or Swiss brise fan, dating to the 19th century, is believed to have been produced for the Ottoman market. The fan is constructed from a series of intricately pierced ivory sticks that feature delicate scrolling foliage and palmette motifs, creating an overall lace-like appearance.
The structure is held together by ribbons, which facilitate its opening and closing. The two outermost sticks, known as guards, are crafted from gold and enhanced with finely detailed enamel work. The decoration on these gold guards includes a laurel leaf and berry design in vibrant blue and white enamel, set against a classic key-work border. Measuring approximately 17.3 cm when in its closed position, the fan exhibits the meticulous craftsmanship typical of luxury accessories from this period.
The use of precious materials combined with elaborate piercing and enamel work highlights its decorative function and high-quality production, likely intended for an affluent clientele appreciative of sophisticated European-style ornamentation.
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
- Material
- Gold, enamel, ivory
- Dimension
- 17.3 cm closed
Design
- Guards
- Gold, enamel laurel leaves and berries, key-work orders
- Sticks
- Pierced ivory with scrolling foliage and palmettes
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.