Brisé fan
early 19thâearly 20th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Anonymous Donor
Accession Number
1952-161-213
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 19th fashion with this exquisite *Brisé fan*, a delicate accessory from the early 19th to early 20th century. Named for the French term "brisé" meaning "broken" or "pierced,"isé fans feature slender sticks—often crafted from fine materials like ivory or bone—that are intricately latticed and joined by ribbons or sheer fabric, creating a lightweight, ornamental design without a traditional leaf. This Smithsonian American Art Museum treasure, classified under costume and accessories, exemplifies the artistry of personal adornments that blended functionality with s...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...