Needlework fan with ivory handle

fan

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES - ACCESSORY
China
19th century
silk; ivory
overall: 16 x 11 1/4 x 1/4 in.

Circle shaped fan attached to a floral carved, ivory handle; originally stored in box 2003.90.10. Fan is a round, cream colored silk panel embroidered with the image of a blue and brown feathered bird with very long tail feathers. The bird is crouched on a rock, possibly alongside water, watching two butterflies flying above blue daisies. To the left of the bird, there are more flowers on the ground and a vine or tree with bunches of blue flowers above; four smaller blue, pink, and brown birds fly in the background. Along the right side of the scene, there are five Chinese characters in a vertical arrangement, with a red symbol below. The fan's edge is wrapped in an embroidered geometric and floral border.

2003.90.9