Brisé Cockade Fan
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
21 1/2 x 14 3/4 in. (54.6 x 37.5 cm)
Classification
Fans
Culture
Chinese, for the European Market
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Henry Burden, 1922
Accession Number
22.99a
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world 19th-century luxury the *Brisé Cockade Fan a stunning example of Chinese ivory craftsmanship tailored European tastes. Crafted finely carved ivory, this measures an impressive 21 x 14¾ inches54.6 x .5 cm) when, featuring the distinctive *brisé* construction: segmented sticks pierced with intricate patterns and joined by ribbons or fabric, allowing it to expand into a full, rosette-like "cockade" shape. Such designs not only served practical purposes for cooling but also showcased virtuoso carving skills, with delicate motifs evoking nature, flora, or geometric elega...