{"product_id":"19th-century-french-hand-painted-silk-gauze-fan-with-gilt-floral-sticks","title":"19th Century French Hand-Painted Silk Gauze Fan with Gilt Floral Sticks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn elegant late 19th-century French folding fan, composed of finely pierced and gilt-decorated ivory-toned sticks beneath a translucent silk gauze leaf painted with delicate flowering branches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fan is decorated across the leaf with sprays of white and pale lavender blossoms, soft green foliage, and slender flowering stems, all hand-painted directly onto the gauze. Tiny applied metallic sequins or spangles accent the centers of many of the blossoms and catch the light beautifully when the fan is opened.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sticks and guards are ornamented with repeating gilt scrollwork and foliate motifs, creating a particularly pretty contrast against the creamy material. The outer guard carries a more elaborate gilt arabesque design. A metal suspension loop and original-style silk tassel complete the piece.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of translucent painted gauze, delicate botanical decoration, gilt ornament, and sparkling spangles is highly characteristic of fashionable French fans of the Belle Époque period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1880–1900\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate Victorian \/ French Belle Époque period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the second half of the 19th century, the folding fan remained an important fashion accessory for formal dress throughout France and the rest of Europe. Paris in particular became one of the great centers of fan production, with specialist éventaillistes producing everything from modest painted fans to extraordinarily luxurious examples mounted with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, ivory, lace, silk, sequins, and hand-painted decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the 1880s and 1890s, delicate silk and gauze fans painted with naturalistic flowers became especially fashionable. Their translucent leaves allowed the decorative sticks to remain visible while giving the entire fan a light, ethereal appearance suited to evening dress.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApplied sequins or spangles were frequently added to floral compositions during this period to provide subtle sparkle under candlelight and gaslight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSourced in France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLikely French manufacture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eHand-painted silk gauze leaf\u003cbr\u003eGilt decoration\u003cbr\u003eApplied metallic sequins \/ spangles\u003cbr\u003eIvory-toned carved sticks and guards\u003cbr\u003eMetal suspension loop\u003cbr\u003eSilk tassel\u003cbr\u003eMaterial Note\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sticks appear to be an animal-derived or imitation ivory-toned material, but the exact material cannot be confirmed from photographs alone. They may be bone, ivory, or another period substitute.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause genuine antique ivory is subject to significant international and domestic trade restrictions, I would not list the sticks as ivory unless positively identified and legally documented.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease provide the closed length and fully opened width and I can add them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom scale, the fan appears to be approximately 10–11 inches long when closed and roughly 19–21 inches across when opened, but exact measurements should be used for the listing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe silk gauze shows age-related discoloration, surface wear, small areas of staining, and some minor weakness or separation along portions of the lower edge near the sticks. The painted floral decoration remains vivid and highly decorative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome gilt decoration shows expected rubbing and wear. The tassel has visible fraying and age-related wear. The fan opens and displays well overall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review photographs closely for condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique and vintage items may exhibit minor imperfections, wear, repairs, patina, fading, staining, losses, and other signs of age consistent with their history. These characteristics are considered part of the charm and authenticity of the piece.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAny identification of materials is based upon visual examination unless otherwise stated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49202062852351,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/IMG-8365.png?v=1789341924","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/19th-century-french-hand-painted-silk-gauze-fan-with-gilt-floral-sticks","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}