Needlwork fan with black frame and missing 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 missing handle. Fan is a round, cream colored paper panel between two pieces of loosely woven material with an embroidered scene. There are two figures, on in front of the other. One is a man in a yellow robe, with facial hair and a small black hat; he is leaning over at the waist, with hands outstretched The other figure is smaller, possibly a child, and is following the man carrying a fan or banner attached to a pole. Architectural element along the right side and background of the scene, and a curved, flowering tree along the left. Flowers and plants in foreground. The panel is framed by a thin, black painted wood border etched all around with gold floral pattern, without a handle. The scene is completely visible in reverse on the back of the fan.

2003.90.15