What is the history of 18th-century European folding fans?

During the 18th century, folding fans served as vital fashion accessories and non-verbal communication tools among European aristocracy. Often crafted in major centres like Italy and France, they featured hand-painted classical or pastoral scenes on paper or vellum mounted on pierced mother-of-pearl, bone, or ivory sticks.

What materials were traditionally used to construct antique folding fans?

Traditional 18th-century fans were constructed using sticks made from mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, or wood, which were intricately pierced, carved, and gilded. The leaf, or mount, was typically made from hand-painted vellum, silk, or layered paper.

How can one identify authentic late 18th-century folding fans?

Authentic late 18th-century fans display fine hand-painting in tempera or watercolour, frequently depicting Neoclassical or fete galante motifs. The sticks exhibit hand-cut piercing with delicate gilding, and the rivet at the pivot point is usually secured with a mother-of-pearl washer or tiny stone setting.

How can a framed antique fan be styled in a modern interior?

Mounted inside a custom glazed shadow box or fan-shaped display frame, an antique fan functions as wall art. Positioning it above a sideboard, console table, or within a gallery wall adds historical interest and texture to contemporary schemes.

How should an antique framed fan be preserved and cared for?

Display cases should be kept away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and heat sources to prevent fading, warping, or cracking of the paper and mother-of-pearl. Conservation framing utilizing acid-free backing materials and UV-protective glass is recommended to protect delicate natural organic fibres.

for sale €1,749 $1,899

£1,495

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017

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About Us

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

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Exceptional Italian Late 18th Century Carved Mother-of-pearl Fan in Display Case, Circa 1790

18th century

For Sale by Robert Belcher Antiques

Description

An exceptional late 18th-century Italian folding fan, dating to circa 1790, beautifully combining masterful craftsmanship with exquisite hand-painted artistry. Both a fashionable accessory of its time and a remarkable decorative object today, this rare fan has been professionally mounted in a bespoke glazed ebonised display case, allowing it to be admired while remaining protected.

The folding guard and sticks are expertly crafted from solid mother of pearl, intricately carved and delicately pierced with an elaborate design. Elegant young men and women are depicted amongst garden trellis, while charming cherubs (putti) gaze down from above, all meticulously hand carved with extraordinary attention to detail.

The individual mother-of-pearl sticks are hinged to fold from a beautifully shaped and engraved brass rivet. Completing the design are original silk tassels adorned with Italian green glass beads featuring shimmering gold inclusions, adding further refinement to this luxurious accessory.

The highlight of the fan is its magnificent hand painted paper leaf. When fully opened, it reveals a vibrant, continuous landscape populated by a series of charming scenes. A young courting couple stroll through the countryside, while nearby a mother and child admire a pet bird. At the centre, a family relaxes with their faithful dog, and in the distance, larger groups gather to dance, celebrate, and enjoy an elegant alfresco meal amidst an idyllic wooded landscape. The rich colours and delightful narrative capture the elegance and leisurely pursuits of late 18th-century Italian society.

The fan is presented in a custom-made glazed ebonised frame with a padded yellow silk lining that both enhances its presentation and provides excellent protection. A brass hanging wire is fitted to the reverse for easy wall display.

The fan remains in very good antique condition, displaying only minor losses and age-related wear consistent with its age and authenticity.

Origin: Italy

Date: Circa 1790

Display Case Dimensions:

• Height: 40 cm

• Width: 71 cm

• Depth: 6 cm

Shipping:

Please enquire for a shipping quotation before purchasing.

Physical Dimensions

Height

40cm (15.75")

Width

71cm (27.95")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this 18th Century Folding Fan to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1224714

Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description

“

The folding guard and sticks are expertly crafted from solid mother of pearl, intricately carved and delicately pierced with an elaborate design.

Robert Belcher Antiques

Elegant young men and women are depicted amongst garden trellis, while charming cherubs (putti) gaze down from above, all meticulously hand carved with extraordinary attention to detail.

fig 1. A late 18th-century Italian folding fan featuring a hand-painted pastoral scene mounted on carved mother-of-pearl sticks, presented inside a fan-shaped black frame with a cream silk lining. — fig 1. Exceptional Italian Late 18th Century Carved Mother-of-pearl Fan in Display Case, Circa 1790

The individual mother-of-pearl sticks are hinged to fold from a beautifully shaped and engraved brass rivet. Completing the design are original silk tassels adorned with Italian green glass beads featuring shimmering gold inclusions, adding further refinement to this luxurious accessory.

fig 2. A late 18th-century Italian folding fan featuring a hand-painted pastoral scene mounted on carved mother-of-pearl sticks, presented inside a fan-shaped black frame with a cream silk lining. — fig 2. Exceptional Italian Late 18th Century Carved Mother-of-pearl Fan in Display Case, Circa 1790

The highlight of the fan is its magnificent hand painted paper leaf. When fully opened, it reveals a vibrant, continuous landscape populated by a series of charming scenes. A young courting couple stroll through the countryside, while nearby a mother and child admire a pet bird. At the centre, a family relaxes with their faithful dog, and in the distance, larger groups gather to dance, celebrate, and enjoy an elegant alfresco meal amidst an idyllic wooded landscape. The rich colours and delightful narrative capture the elegance and leisurely pursuits of late 18th-century Italian society.

fig 3. A late 18th-century Italian folding fan featuring a hand-painted pastoral scene mounted on carved mother-of-pearl sticks, presented inside a fan-shaped black frame with a cream silk lining. — fig 3. Exceptional Italian Late 18th Century Carved Mother-of-pearl Fan in Display Case, Circa 1790

The fan is presented in a custom-made glazed ebonised frame with a padded yellow silk lining that both enhances its presentation and provides excellent protection. A brass hanging wire is fitted to the reverse for easy wall display.