Qing-dynasty Copper Fan Ribs with Silver Inlay

Fan ribs in pure copper like these ones are actually quite rare as bamboo has been the primary choice for fan ribs in China’s fun industry. This set of nine ribs have straight shoulders and round heads. The decoration on the guards were crafted by complicated procedures: cloud patterns were first chased on the copper base, then inlayed with silver filigree, and finally polished with stone to get a natural and smooth surface, ending up with simple yet decorous motifs.