Decorative Hand-Painted Chinese Folding Fan
Asian Antiques & Decorative Arts

Decorative Hand-Painted Chinese Folding Fan

This is a large-scale folding hand fan, likely of Chinese origin, constructed with a paper or silk leaf and a wooden bamboo frame. The fan features a prominent hand-painted floral motif, specifically focusing on vibrant peonies—a symbol of prosperity and honor in Chinese culture—rendered in shades of crimson, pink, yellow, blue, and purple with green foliage. The artwork displays traditional brushwork with varying opacity and ink-wash techniques. On the upper-left folds, there is a small section of black ink calligraphy, which typically represents a poem, dedication, or the artist's signature. The frame consists of slender, polished bamboo sticks held together at a pivot point. The construction indicates it is a decorative wall-hanging fan rather than a handheld accessory due to its large span. In terms of condition, there are visible creases and minor softening of the paper/silk along the folds consistent with age and use. Some minor surface wear and slight discoloration are present on the outer edges and the cream-colored background, but the pigment of the central floral design remains largely saturated. Based on the style and mass-market craftsmanship, this item likely dates to the late 20th century.

Estimated Value

$40 - $75

Basic Information

Category

Asian Antiques & Decorative Arts

Appraised On

January 28, 2026

Estimated Value

$40 - $75

Item Description

This is a large-scale folding hand fan, likely of Chinese origin, constructed with a paper or silk leaf and a wooden bamboo frame. The fan features a prominent hand-painted floral motif, specifically focusing on vibrant peonies—a symbol of prosperity and honor in Chinese culture—rendered in shades of crimson, pink, yellow, blue, and purple with green foliage. The artwork displays traditional brushwork with varying opacity and ink-wash techniques. On the upper-left folds, there is a small section of black ink calligraphy, which typically represents a poem, dedication, or the artist's signature. The frame consists of slender, polished bamboo sticks held together at a pivot point. The construction indicates it is a decorative wall-hanging fan rather than a handheld accessory due to its large span. In terms of condition, there are visible creases and minor softening of the paper/silk along the folds consistent with age and use. Some minor surface wear and slight discoloration are present on the outer edges and the cream-colored background, but the pigment of the central floral design remains largely saturated. Based on the style and mass-market craftsmanship, this item likely dates to the late 20th century.

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