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IVORY FAN

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage


About this object

This ivory fan is elaborately decorated on both sides with Shibayama inlay and lacquerwork. The fan is constructed of ivory guards and 21sticks pierced with slits through which a ribbon is run. One side depicts three men representing the three Star Gods of Daoism: Shoulao, the god of longevity; Fuxing, the god of blessings; and Luxing, the god of rank and emoluments. Together these three gods protect households and make peoples' wishes come true including longevity through successive generations of children, wealth, and social standing. All three wear Japanese kimonos. Shoulao stands in front of a bamboo table and leans on a bamboo staff. Fuxing, in the middle, stands behind a large gold vase. Luxing stands in front of a gnarled wood table holding a vase of blooming camelias and a covered cinnebar lacquer bowl with handle. The guard on this side is decorated with gold lacquer and mother-of pearl woody stemmed tree peonies (also know as the King of Flowers) and two butterflies. The other side of the fan depicts a basket of grapes, wild grasses, camelias, yarrows, and chrysanthemums (the prime minister of flowers) with two butterflies. This guard is decorated with an Argus phaesant, representing great beauty, sitting on a Japanese maple branch over chrysanthememums. Two butterflies represent longevity. Two silk tassels hang from the metal u-clasp. The fan has a black lacquer box (.2), the top of which is painted in gold with a central fan flanked by vines terminating in tendrils and one butterfly.

Object name:
IVORY FAN
Made from:
Ivory -- lacquer -- mother of pearl -- abalone -- silk -- metal
Made in:
Japan
Date made:
1860-1890
Size:
26.8 x 48.3 cm (10 9/16 x 19 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
49.2.1-2
Class:
ACCESSORY
Signature marks:
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973