fan

Summary

Leaf of white needlepoint lace ('point de Gaze'). Mother-of-pearl sticks and guards, held by metal loop and ring. Design of lace includes guns, swords, canon and pendants between willow and palm trees. Design possibly showing trophies of war from French African campaign.

Display Label

Fans have been carried to public and ceremonial occasions for centuries, and in many different cultures. The Gallery has a collection of over 350 fans, mostly representing fashionable accessories used in Britain, although often made abroad, particularly in China. Some examples are pictured below, dating from the late seventeenth century onwards, showing a range of decorative techniques, including painting, printing and stitching.