Needlwork fan with black frame and detached handle

fan

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES - ACCESSORY
China
19th century
paper; wood; thread
overall: 10 1/4 x 10 1/4 x 1/4 in.

Circle shaped, paper needlework fan in a black painted wood frame with detached handle. Fan is a round, cream colored paper panel between two pieces of loosely woven material with an embroidered scene. There are two figures in robes. One is a man with facial hair and a small black hat, leaning on a walking stick. The other figure is smaller, and appears to be bowing and holding a potted flower. Architectural element along the right side and background of the scene, and a curved tree along the left. Flowers in foreground; two butterflies in scene. The panel is framed by a thin, black painted wood border with a detached handle; both are etched all around with gold floral pattern. The scene is completely visible in reverse on the back of the fan. Short green cord with braided knot is attached to the handle.

2003.90.14