Fans and Fancies: Sale Preview

The Fans and Fancies Sale on 26^th March will offer an extended range of lace, embroidered and beaded items needlework tools and period fashion accessories from Part I of a Major European Collection. The Collector first concentrated on antique lace, building a collection of needlework and lace-making tools to complement lace from Europe and further afield. Fans and parasols with lace leaves and covers quickly followed before The Collector turned to embroidered and beaded accessories. Part II of The Collection comprising the remaining fans, items of antique lace and many unusual accessories will be sold in the Fans and Fancies Sale on 2^nd July.

Highlights of the collection include a very rare Italian Marriage Fan, composed of 18^th century ivory sticks and what is likely a late 19^th century lace leaf (estimate: £400-600 plus buyer’s premium). The leaf has been made from different needle lace techniques and is adorned with the arms of two families either side of a fine lady holding a fixed fan. The earlier sticks and gorge are painted in pastels with flowers and tiny chinoiserie figures. An elaborate 18^th century European Child’s Cap is also of note (estimate: £150-250). The cream silk base is ornately embroidered with flowers and edged with hand-made gold lace.

From other vendors come fans rarely seen on the market today, including uncommon late 18^th and early 19^th century fans, a full range of 19^th century fans, advertising and perfume fans, and unique novelty fans from the 20^th century created and exhibited by a Northern crafts person. A good Chinese section will also offer a variety of examples ranging from those made from filigree metal with enamel decoration, to tortoiseshell and rare mother of pearl brisés. Highlights include an 18^th century Carved and Pierced Grand Tour Ivory Fan depicting a View of St. Peter’s, Rome (estimate: £800-1,200) and a rare Qing Dynasty c.1840s Chinese Carved Mother-of-Pearl Brisé Fan (£1,000-1,500).

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