Pleated fan with painted silk leaf. Obverse shows medallions containing putti with flower sprays in between. Center medallion has a frame of gold metallic sequins. The flowers have red spangles and gold sequins. Reverse has the same design drawn in red on unpainted silk. Stick are carved in an openwork design (à jour) with gilding, silver and inserts of gilded wire screen. Guards carry ovals medallions containing a blacksmith and spinner that are appliqued to under parts in relief and covered with glass.
Credit: Bequest of Sarah Cooper Hewitt
c. 1785
Silk leaf painted with gouache and embroidered with sequins and metallic thread; ivory sticks with wire screen and glass
1931-6-112
Image and text © Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2020
Where you'll find this
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Permanent collection