Fan

Brisé fans have no leaf. They are made of sticks held together with a silk cord or ribbon. Some brisé fans were left plain to highlight the intricacy of their piercing and carving, as you can see here. This fan was probably a sample or exhibition piece made by the craftsman to show both his skill and the delicacy of the materials. The intricate shape of the edging reflects the influence of lace designs and the popularity of the ‘Van Dyck’ collar in contemporary women’s fashions.