Toil and Tenderness: A Very Unusual Mid-18th Century Fan, with mother-of-pearl laid over ivory for part of the monture. The guards are noted to have mother of pearl panels overlaid in ivory, the lower section being carved plain ivory, as is the lower section of the gorge. The upper gorge consists of carved and pierced white mother-of-pearl, with intricate designs of scrolls and figures, flowers and a bird. Subtle painting highlights an already very elaborate monture. The double paper leaf tells two stories, linked by water. To the left, dock workers toil with heavy wooden crates and barrels whilst a couple observe, ships in full sail having set out to sea. To the right, a scene of leisure, one couple seated near the water side, a man waiting on the water in a rowing boat, and a tender scene of a tall well-dressed gentleman, in a blue jacket and red breeches, a wig with long ringlets tied at the nape, his slim hound beside him, presenting a single rose stem to a lady in pink, a blue flower already pinned to her lace-up formal bodice, a young boy at her side. The verso continues with the workers toiling at the harbour, stone ruins to the side, one worker using rope to pull a palate loaded with large chunks of grey stone. A smaller scene to the left shows a solitary man looking out to sea. On both sides of the leaf the scenes are separated by vibrant and varied flowers and fruits in blue, pinks, mauve and yellow. On the mother-of-pearl gorge section the verso is painted with flowers and shells in pastel colours. Guard length 29cm. Together with a pale blue silk box, fitted, with cream silk lining