A pretty 19th century hand fan, c. Victorian or Napoleon III era, hand carved bone guards and sticks in a very interesting peek-a-boo with tortoise shell, 21.5 cm length. Still with the original box, it's been very well protected and the front and back silk leaf, each hand painted and embroidered with sequins remain in fine condition, no tatters, and could definitely be used on occasion. The interesting asymmetrical cartouche and garlands of flowers on the front and the symetrical backside give you options. Each is lovely.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The fan does open fully, but is so firmly pleated, it seems like it will retract a bit lying flat. No, nothing is missing. There are no breaks in any of those slender spines. The silk is supple, heavy, and you have to hold to light to see the full form of the spines within. There is a little loss to the paint on the cartouche scene on the front of fan (see images), not much noticeable. Measurements noted on photos.
