Folding Fan Item Number: Ed1.200 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A closing fan with twenty-six inner ribs of split bamboo varnished dark brown on the base of each side and two bamboo parent ribs of natural colour each set into a piece of dark rosewood through which passes a brass rivet. Abstract design painted in light brown on the parent ribs. One side of the fan is covered with light brown paper, unpainted. To the ring on the rivet, there is attached a knotted purple silk cord, 23 cm. long, on which there is threaded a carnelian carving of a monkey holding a peach (missing as of 2006). Below the monkey, there hangs a flat knotted tassel of purple silk bound with multi-coloured thread.
History Of Use
Folding fans were used by members of the official “Yangban” class, and sometimes by women of other classes. Korean folding fans were very well-made, and were exported to China and Japan during the Koryo and Chosun Periods. Some had a large number of fine ribs.
Iconographic Meaning
The bamboo leaf design on the sides of the fan suggest that the fan was used by a scholar, and it symbolizes loyalty and faith.
Item History
- Made in Korea before 1935
- Collected before 1935
- Owned by Marion Stephan
- Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 10, 1977
- Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 10, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Korean
- Previous Owner
- Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
- Received from
- Charles H. Stephan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Korea
When
- Creation Date
- before 1935
- Collection Date
- before 1935
- Ownership Date
- before January 10, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on January 10, 1977
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0352/0032