The Mikado
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1885
This theatrical folding fan was made in Great Britain in 1885. Constructed from carved wood and sewn black lace, it features a semi-translucent leaf bordered with decorative lace edging. The sticks and guards are fashioned from black wood, with carved shaping visible along the inner segments of the sticks. A metal ring is affixed at the base of the fan where the sticks pivot.
When fully opened, the fan measures 64.1 cm in length by 36.1 cm in width. In its closed configuration, it measures 36.6 cm in length and 4.7 cm in width. The piece was created using woodcarving and sewing techniques to join the lace leaf to the wooden framework.
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.
Historical context
This fan was used by Catherine Pelling while playing the role of Katisha in an 1885 production of The Mikado, deputizing for Millie Vere. Pelling served as a chorister and frequent understudy in D'Oyly Carte productions between 1884 and 1892. The fan was subsequently given to the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1967.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- carved wood, sewed lace
- Dimensions
- Length: 64.1 cm; Width: 36.1 cm; Length: 36.6 cm; Width: 4.7 cm
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Great Britain
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- The Mikado
- Museum object number
- S.87-2017
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.