19th-Century Chinese Export Folding Hand Fan

Updated September 23, 2026

Lot number27
AuctionTimeless Part 2
DateOctober 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT
Auction houseSilent Bidders
LocationWhitby, ON

19th-Century Chinese Export Folding Hand Fan Historical Context: These fans were highly popular luxury trade items crafted in China during the late Qing Dynasty (circa 1850–1900) specifically for the Western export market. Materials: Features hand-painted silk or paper leaves, pierced and carved bone or ivory sticks, and a border lined with iridescent natural peacock feathers. Design: The body is vibrantly hand-painted with traditional Chinese motifs, commonly depicting flowers, birds, and figures. A decorative silk tassel hangs from the bottom loop Condition: The colors are still bright. Severe Structural Splits: The paper/silk body has some splits along several vertical fold lines, leaving deep, gaping tears that break the continuity of the painted design. Flaking and Missing Medium: There is visible chipping, cracking, and loss of the thick red and blue pigments across the floral motifs. Fragmentation: The edges of the paper folds are frayed in some areas Measurements: Length 13" closed (25)

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