Pleated fan

1778–1793 · Paper leaf with hand-colored engraving, ivory sticks, wood guards Background print appears to be block printed. The fan probably opriginally had metallic spangles that have deteriorated and fallen off, leaving remnants of tarnished metal in circular shapes. There is a glazing over the printed colors. Possibly gum arabic?

From the collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.