Pleated fan and case

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of late 19th-century fashion with this *Pleated fan and case*, dating to 1895. Crafted as a personal accessory, this delicate item exemplifies the refined costume and accessories popular during America's Gilded Age. Fans like this were essential for women in social settings, serving practical purposes like cooling oneself amid heavy corsets and layers, while also acting as subtle tools for flirtation and communication through intricate gestures. The pleated design—folded silk, paper, or fabric mounted on sticks—allowed for compact storage in its accompanying case, making it a portable emblem of sophistication. Though the artist's identity remains unknown, such fans highlight the artistry in everyday objects, blending functionality with decorative flair. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Costume & Accessories collection, gifted by an anonymous donor, it reflects the era's emphasis on personal adornment as a marker of social status. Research into this piece is ongoing, inviting us to appreciate its quiet cultural resonance: a snapshot of Victorian-era leisure and propriety preserved for future generations.

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...