Antique Brussels Bobbin Lace Fan, Delicate Openwork Sticks, Beautiful Tone

A beautiful, large handmade antique lace fan, approximately 32cm in length, crafted around the Victorian era (1837-1901) in France or Belgium, purchased in France.

This elegant, large fan (éventail) is lightweight enough for both display and practical use. The texture and tone of the lace are exceptionally beautiful, featuring silver-colored hardware.

The antique ivory lace has a delicate, aged patina of pale gray and green, as if imbued with the colors of nature. Intricate bobbin lace meticulously depicts flowers with petal details and leaves with visible veins, interspersed with picot-embroidered bridges.

The elegant ivory-colored sticks, possibly Bakelite, are adorned with delicate openwork reliefs of garlands of flowers and leaves. Fine vertical lines add to the classical taste of a bygone era, evoking elegant nostalgia.

Lightweight enough for everyday use. While heavy or overly large fans are not ideal for outings, this fan, despite its size, is suitable not only for display but also for practical use.

The material is imagined to be linen thread, feeling smooth, soft, and silky. It appears to be in its original, unwashed condition.

Natural materials, regardless of time or place, are suitable for Japanese attire outings – such as pongee, unlined silk (ro), lined silk (awase), komon, or houmongi. It is also appropriate for theater outings and elegant for special occasions like weddings or parties with dresses and one-piece outfits.

Please excuse any errors in the amateur measurements below.

Height: 31 cm
Height (including hardware): 32.4 cm
Stick width: Maximum 2.6 cm
Folded thickness: Approx. 2.5-4 cm
Width when fan is open: 57.4 cm
Lace arc/circumference: Approx. 81 cm
Weight: Approx. 95g

There appear to be no noticeable stains or dirt.

The lower part of two outer bones out of a total of 16 were each broken in one place. To make it usable, they were repaired with strong adhesive and wrapped with Valenciennes lace in a discreet manner by an amateur. After testing it several times, there are no snags or wobbles, and the fan opens and closes smoothly. A spare lace tape will be included in case it comes off again.

The lace is attached with some threads and can also be used as a collar if detached from the frame.

Displaying it fully open or partially open creates a beautiful decorative piece for any space.

If the sticks were perfect, a lace fan of this caliber would cost around 200,000 yen.

I would be delighted if someone who appreciates it could use it wonderfully. This is the lowest possible price.