20th Nov, 2020 12:00 GMT/BST

Fans & Fancies - Online auction

 
  Lot 5004
 

5004

An Unusual French Revolutionary Period Riddle Fan, the monture of bone, with some light carving and

An Unusual French Revolutionary Period Riddle Fan, the monture of bone, with some light carving and painting to the upper guards. The double paper leaf, hand coloured, shows two couples in extravagant 18th century dress, the ladies appearing to be beseeching the gentleman to share their affections. Cupid floats on a cloud between them, holding both a flaming torch and his bow and arrow, tokens of Love. To each side the leaf features a vignette containing symbols, enclosed in green and pink draperies. The left section contains the word "DE" in capitals, with a yellow pitcher, a spray of flowers, and, possibly, a heart. To the right, the word "VOEUX" (wishes), a standard bush, and a yellow crown. Both sections contain what could be a letter "L". Thus, this is an example of a riddle fan, the sounds when the symbols are spoken aloud giving the meanings. From the left, "Elle possède mon Coeur" from L (elle) po (dessin d'un pot) + ssè (dessin d'un "cep" - de vigne) + de + mon (dessin d'un mont) + cÂœur (dessin d'un cÂœur), and to the right, "elle couronne mes vÂœux " from L + couronne + mes (dessin d'un arbre de mai) + vÂœux. The leaf is bordered with gold and a subtle ruby. The verso is plain. Guard length 10.75 inches or 27.5cm.
Infinite thanks to Ondine P-P and Georgina L-B of the Circle de l'Eventail, Paris, for their invaluable assistance with this puzzle.

Sold for £700
Estimated at £350 - £500


 

. In generally good order and strong. When closed, the sticks in the gorge centre are seen to be bowed. Both guards have a crack near the top but there is no obvious repair. The leaf has light foxing to the verso and one or two folds may have been re-secured.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Fans & Fancies - Online auction, 20th Nov, 2020

Fans & Fancies - Online auction

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