Fan, ca. 1860. Printed and painted paper, mother of pearl, gold, silver and copper metals, and mirror. Maker unknown. Gift of Mrs. Robert D. Graff. 1965.67
Fan of printed and painted paper with mother-of-pear sticks, which are inlaid with gold, silver, and copper as well as mirror. One side of the fan is divided into four large figural sections; each part describes courtship scenes played out by elaborately dressed characters in a pastoral setting. The other side has three scenes of betrothal customs. Characters depicted in Asian-style dress.
Belonged to Mrs. William O. (Erna M. Sawyer) Goodman, grandmother of donor.
Curatorial Statement
The silent "language of the fan" gave women a means to flirt in a time when the culture of women was strictly choreographed and monitored. Touching the tip of her finger to her fan, for example, meant a woman wanted to speak to a gentleman; and placing her fan by her left ear meant she wanted the gentleman to leave. With such a visible role in courtship, fans often featured romantic scenes.