Fan c. 18th century

This elegant fan, made of mother-of-pearl, offers a glimpse into a world shaped by social rituals. While the maker is unknown, the fan speaks volumes about the cultural context in which it was used. Fans were essential accessories for upper-class women, tools of both practicality and communication. The fan could offer a respite from stuffy rooms, but it also served as a subtle means to convey emotions and messages in a highly codified society. The delicate floral patterns and butterflies carved into the mother-of-pearl evoke ideas of beauty, fragility, and transformation, qualities often associated with femininity. But the story of this fan extends beyond its surface charm. The materials, likely sourced through colonial trade routes, hint at complex global networks and power dynamics. This object also invites reflection on the ways in which women have historically navigated social constraints, using objects like this fan to assert agency. The fan is a reminder that even seemingly delicate objects can carry layers of meaning about class, gender, and the intricate ways we communicate.