19th century densely carved Chinese sandalwood brise fan. Numerous openings in the segments of the fan allowed a lady to hold the fan close to her face so she could observe others without them knowing they were being watched. Guards are carved in medium relief with landscapes containing numerous figures, and the segments are carved on both sides with three openwork medallions with figures in various settings. Wonderful delicate work, losses to just one segment (see detail), original tassels, ver ...click for details
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