A painted mandarin fan with lacquered box, Qing dynasty, 19th Century.
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The curvaciously-shaped dark lacquer sticks conjoined and fastened at the base, with both sides identical and spreading open to reveal a panel depicting a continuous scene of figures pursuing leisurely activities, enwreathed within auspicious Buddhist symbols and flower scrolls, all painted in gold; the extended fan leaf painted with a continuous scene of wealthy figures and entourages engaging in various pursuits, framed by a frieze of further auspicious Buddhist emblems with flowery scrolls, all brilliantly painted in various colours. Measurements 52,5x28 cm.
Small damages, restored.
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The earliest known example dates back to the second century BC from the Mawangdui tomb sites in Changsha, Hunan. Though the fan started off as a neccessary daily implement for catching the breeze or to kindle fire sparks to create flames for cooking, it was not long before the Chinese genius for decoration and design transformed the simple fan from a mere domestic appliance to the status of an art object, coveted by courtiers and scholars alike.
