Antique 19th Century Hand Fan - Rare Point de Venice Rosepoint Needlelace Fan

This beautiful lace fan is dated about 1850 and made in Italy. It measures 13 ½ x 26". The fan leaf is made of Rare, handmade, Italian Point de Venice Rosepoint Needlelace. The thread is made of linen. The entire lace is made of buttonhole stitches. The internal designs are created by the spacing of the stitches. The motif outlines are tightly packed with stitches, but not padded. The small ornaments of circles are padded and covered solidly with buttonhole stitches. The height of the outlining is traditional for this category of Point d Venice. Joining bars between small Baroque floral motifs have loop picots and thorn picots. There are only three nearly invisible broken brides which is amazing for the age of this fan. All of the needlelace are in pristine condition, without hint of glue or discoloration. Both edging laces appear to be needlelace as well, though the design of the smaller arc lace is often made in braided bobbin lace. The outer edge lace is designed for this specific leaf, not a yardage added. It has a tiny blue jewel at the pivot.

The sticks and guards are made of Mother of Pearl. The guards appear to be in perfect condition. Five of the thirteen sticks are shorter than the others, but the tips appear to be rounded not broken, therefore I am assuming this is part of the design, but I cannot be sure. The fan is attached to the back of the case and I have not removed it for fear of damaging the fan, so I have not been able to examine the sticks. The front guard is marked with the initials "N.C.M" and a crown with five peaks, indicating that this fan was made for a person of Nobility. The fan comes in a case that is gilded and carved with roses. It has a light brown velvet lining. The lace, the fan, and the case are in excellent condition.

The description and dating of the lace on this fan was done by Kate Henry, an appraiser and teacher of lace techniques. Additional information was provided by Betsy Smith an appraiser and restorer of antique fans.

Item ID: FN-4