18th century hand painted fan circa 1790

This exceptional quality late 18th century fan is Italian in its origin, and the folding framework is made from mother of pearl, which has been delicately carved and pierced to an intricate design showing young male and female figures set amongst garden trellis with cherubs or Puti looking down from above, all hand carved into the solid mother of pearl.

The individual sections of mother of pearl are hinged to fold out from a brass patterned and shaped ring, which is adorned with silk tassels mounted with Italian green glass beads with gold inclusions.

The main attraction of this fan is the work of art on paper which when folded out for use displays a wonderful hand painted brightly coloured continuous scene amongst a wooded landscape with open areas with different groups of people including a young courting couple, a mother and child with a pet bird, a central family group with their pet dog and behind in the distant landscape there are two larger groups one dancing and celebrating and the other enjoying a al fresco meal.

This lovely exotic fashion accessory has been beautifully mounted in a handmade glazed ebonised frame with a yellow padded silk lining, which protects and displays the fan superbly.
At the rear, there is a brass wire for hanging.

The fan is in very good condition with some minor small losses and age related wear.

Italian, circa 1790

Dimensions of the case:
Height 40cm x width 71cm x depth 6cm