Antique European Folding Fan with Painted Gauze Leaf and Ebonized Wood Monture

Late Victorian to Belle Epoque European folding fan, circa 1890-1905, with an elaborately pierced and carved ebonized wooden monture. Hand painted black textile gauze leaf with large white blossoms, pale green and sweeping blue foliage. Gilt scrollwork and fine white accents. Individually sewn metal spangles are scattered through the decoration, including several retaining vivid pink coloration.

Dense floral and rococo-revival piercing across the sticks and guards. Visible stitching on the reverse records the hand mounting of the pleated leaf. Peened metal pivot, steel loop with japanned-type finish. This fan is about 9.5-9.75" long when closed and it opens fairly easily without feeling like you're going to break it.

Condition

• Guards have wear and rubbing around the pivot, several small losses expose the wood substrate, some small chips and loss.
• The leaf remains firmly affixed to the ribs and the guards remain secure. Loose and frayed threads are present along portions of the outer edge top and bottom both, but it's not unraveling.
• One split on the front, one on the rear, but they don't line up perfectly so the leaf retains its form. Just use common sense when opening it and treat it gently.
• Scattered paint loss and wear are present across the decoration. Almost all of the sewn metal spangles appear to remain, varying shades of color and oxidization.

Fulfillment

This fan will be wrapped in archival acid-free tissue, cushioned with protective foam or bubble wrap and shipped in an oversized reinforced box by USPS, UPS or FedEx Ground. Typically ships within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from continental US; please message for quote. International shipping available through eBay's Global Shipping Program.