Republican-China Folding Fan of Tortoiseshell Ribs and Ostrich Feathers

With black ostrich feathers as panel, this fan shows the thoughtfulness of the artisan in terms of selection of materials. The smooth and elastic ostrich feathers have clear-cut fuzzes, creating a fluffy and elastic texture. The fan ribs are made of tortoiseshell in red, yellow, brown and white. Rare, precious and exquisite, shells of tortoises, with sizes ranging from 60cm to 160cm, were a popular choice for material of fans. They have thus evolved into an art form witnessing the development of human cultures.