Description: Antique Mother of Pearl Hand Fan 19th Century with Duchess Monogram 'C' This delicate antique fan, crafted from hand-painted silk and adorned with intricate details, once graced the hands of a Duchess. A single initial, "C," painted on the back of the silk leaf, offers a tantalising clue to her identity. Above the letter, a Duchess' coronet, elegantly crowned with strawberry leaves, attests to her noble rank. But the mystery lingers: was her name Catherine, or perhaps Charlotte? The fan holds its secrets close, leaving us to wonder about the woman who once cherished this masterpiece, a silent witness to an era of grace and refinement. The monture of this fan, crafted from the finest mother of pearl, is carved and gilded with a rare and exquisite motif of grapes and grapevines, each detail a testament to the artisan's skill. In the late 19th century, such symbols carried profound meaning, deeply embedded in history, religion, and art. Grapes, often shown in luscious clusters, were long associated with fertility, prosperity, and abundance. The selection of this particular design hints at the possibility that this fan was intended as a wedding gift, perhaps presented to a newlywed Duchess, its symbolism rich with wishes for a fruitful and prosperous union. Time has undeniably etched its presence upon this delicate artefact, with the once pristine silk leaf now bearing the marks of repair—glue stains visible on the verso and a tear upon the recto. Yet, despite these imperfections, the exquisite craftsmanship and noble provenance of the fan remain undiminished, elevating it to the status of a rare and coveted treasure, patiently awaiting the hand of its next fortunate owner.Late 19th CenturyHand painted silk leaf, carved and gilded mother of pearl guards (identical) and sticks (2 + 14), metal pin with paste capGuard length 27.5 cm (10.83")Fair antique condition. Can open and close but silk is fragile.
Price: 569.99 CAD
Location: LASALLE
End Time: 2024-10-30T17:45:05.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A CAD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Handmade
Guard Length: 27.5 cm (10.83")
Color: Multi-Color
Decade: Late 19th Century
Original/Reproduction: Original
Leaf: Hand painted silk
Material: Mother of Pearl
Look: Victorian
Gender: Women
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Monture: White mother of pearl