Fan

Unknown

second quarter 18th century · ivory, mother-of-pearl, parchment, gouache · Costume Institute

The luminous pastel colors are an outstanding feature of this fan. Typical of fan designs, this one is replete with contrasting imagery. The elaborate sticks have a decidedly Chinese aesthetic but depict the Three Graces from Greek mythology that represent joy, charm, and beauty. This imagery in turn contrasts greatly with the pastoral scene of a goat herder.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second quarter 18th century

Medium

ivory, mother-of-pearl, parchment, gouache

Culture

probably Scottish

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Millicent V. Hearst, 1962