Interior Design

My Little Collection of Antique Fans

Look but don’t touch. Well… that rule only applies to the carved ivory fan on the right. The ribbon threaded through the blades needs to be replaced before it can perform like it should.
Look but don’t touch. Well… that rule only applies to the carved ivory fan on the right. The ribbon threaded through the blades needs to be replaced before it can perform like it should.

One can never own too many hand fans. At least not here in Dallas. Perhaps you remember an earlier post of mine which showcased a few fans from my summer collection. I also have a winter collection which I will share with you at another time. I have found that unique, contemporary fans are hard to come by. Perhaps it’s because there isn’t much of a market for them. On the other hand, antique versions are plentiful online, so I’ve recently started collecting them. To see each one opened, click on the link below.

(above) In the seller’s words: “Antique 19th century brisé fan of blond horn intricately pierced with stylized floral motifs and elaborate tracery accented further by numerous steel sequin piqué inlay to the front.”
(above) In the seller’s words: “Antique 19th century brisé fan of blond horn intricately pierced with stylized floral motifs and elaborate tracery accented further by numerous steel sequin piqué inlay to the front.”
(above) This circa 1900 fan is made of hand painted silk with natural mother of pearl guards and sticks.
(above) This circa 1900 fan is made of hand painted silk with natural mother of pearl guards and sticks.
(above) Art Nouveau (circa 1880-1890) opera fan with black tulle fine net leaf and applied lace embellished with silver sequins and spangles. The sticks are undetermined natural or faux marbled shell.
(above) Art Nouveau (circa 1880-1890) opera fan with black tulle fine net leaf and applied lace embellished with silver sequins and spangles. The sticks are undetermined natural or faux marbled shell.
(above) Art Deco advertising fan by French artist Gabriel Ferro. His signature appears in the lower right hand corner.
(above) Art Deco advertising fan by French artist Gabriel Ferro. His signature appears in the lower right hand corner.
(above) The back side of the above fan is signed by a different artist and appears to be an ad for Galleries Lafayette. In tiny letters on the right edge are the words “Made in France 1926."
(above) The back side of the above fan is signed by a different artist and appears to be an ad for Galleries Lafayette. In tiny letters on the right edge are the words “Made in France 1926.”

2 thoughts on “My Little Collection of Antique Fans”

  1. Saira says:

    Beautiful!

    1. Patsy Ann says:

      Thanks, Saira!

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