20th Nov, 2020 12:00 GMT/BST

Fans & Fancies - Online auction

 
  Lot 5019
 

5019

An Early 18th Century Ivory Biblical Fan with simple monture, and reasonably bulbous head. The...

An Early 18th Century Ivory Biblical Fan with simple monture, and reasonably bulbous head. The vellum leaf, mounted à l'Anglaise, shows an elderly man in long brown robe, and hat with upturned rim, seated under a tree, a lady in blue robe and brown cloak, the latter wrapped around a naked child at her feet, sits to converse. Perhaps a depiction of Abraham and his former mistress Sarah, and their son Ishmael, after she has been forced to leave after taunting Abraham's wife Sarah about her continued barrenness. A large house and tower are just visible in the background. The leaf borders are all adorned with small gold foil leaves, and flowers. The verso is plain. Guard length approx. 10.5 inches or 26.5cm. Together with Another Early Ivory Fan with shaped and bulbous head, the upper guards painted in pink, green and lilac with vines and bunches of grapes. The gorge sticks are shaped and carved with naked children striking poses, perhaps relating to sporting or musical activities. The double leaf is painted with a simple scene of a maiden conversing with a stranger, dressed in rather flamboyant costume and large hat, possible a street player or actor. A house in the background appears to be built on stilts with access by ladder. The simplicity of the scene is balanced by the addition of gold highlights to the costume, house and elegant weeping willow. The verso is plain. Guard length approx. 9.75 inches or 25cm (2)

Sold for £250
Estimated at £200 - £400


 

. The first fan is sound, although loss to two of the ribs have caused the gorge sticks to detach. Rubbing to the folds. One or two of the foil leaves are missing. A small patch of clear tape is noted along the top border on the verso. The second fan has retained good bright colours and gold highlights. A central gorge stick has broken and a small section between the break and the head is missing.

 


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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