Fan, brisé fan

Fans were made in China for export to the European market from the late seventeenth century onwards. They were imported by the East India Company along with tea and other commodities. Through the Company's contacts English clients could purchase fans made to order; some were customised with coats of arms or a person's initials.
Chinese manufacturers produced fans tailored to suit the English vogue for oriental decoration. In turn London fan makers would often copy or re-interpret designs from imported Chinese fans. The 'Chinoiserie' style became incredibly popular with designs appearing on fans, porcelain, furniture and wallpaper. Brisé fans like this one do not have leaves; the sticks are usually tied together with a silk cord. Both the pierced ivory sticks and carved ivory guards feature typical Chinese landscape scenes and motifs.