A rare steel fan, Tula, circa 1820

the guards applied with flowers of faceted steel beads on gilt grounds, the mother-of-pearl sticks inset with steel paillons, the vellum leaf probably French and painted with a river view, elegant figures strolling and riding beside, grand houses in the background

Excellent condition, apart from small restorations to the mother-of-pearl sticks; minor wear to the painted leaf at the folds; and one small split to the lower front leaf.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"The fan shall flutter in all female hands

And various fashions learn from various lands."

                                    John Gay, 1759

 

An Important Group of Russian Fans

 

The following seven lots comprise the Russian part of an extensive collection of international fans assembled by an English enthusiast.  The ultimate symbol of feminine elegance from the 17^th century until the turn of the 20^th, the fan had its origins in ancient Greece and Egypt.  Russia 'followed the classical style and fans from that country display perfect taste without the excess of ornamentation associated with the French,' (B. de Vere Green, A Collector's Guide to Fans Over the Ages, London, 1975, p. 126).  A century of Russian fan-making is represented in these seven lots.

 

This Collection, like the British Royal Collection, contains three Fabergé fans.  Carl Fabergé, master of creating objects intended for use which were also luxurious works of art, produced surprisingly few fans.  As with opera glasses, for example, he seems to have acquiesced to the dominance of Paris-made objects in this market.  Of the small number produced in his workshops, some were special commissions.  These include the fan which Emperor Nicholas II gave to his sister on the occasion of her marriage (illustrated, H.C. Bainbridge, Peter Carl Fabergé, London, 1949, pl. 44) and Lot 530 offered here, the fan bearing the jewelled cypher of Crown Princess (later Queen) Alexandrine of Denmark, probably a gift from one of her Russian Imperial relations.