The RAS lecture, “Fans from the East” on 11 February 2022, presented images of the beautiful fans in the collection of the Fan Museum in London. The RAS is now providing an opportunity to see an actual collection of Chinese export fans at the home of Chris Hall which has also been described as a museum. Fans were an essential accessory for a lady in 18th and 19th century Europe. In China a fan was a utilitarian object for daily use, but in Europe a fan was an object of display especially at a ball. Consequently, expensive materials, such as ivory, silver, tortoise shell and gold were used in the making of export fans, whereas most Chinese fans were made of wood and paper and decorated with paint. The ivory fans of the late 18th century display some of the finest and most delicate carving achieved by Chinese craftsmen in the past.
Chris will show his collection of Chinese export fans covering the period 1700 – 1900.
The Speaker
Chris Hall is a long-standing member of the RAS who is well-known for his collection of Chinese textiles. He has also put together a collection of Chinese export fans. This started during holidays in England and visits to the Portobello Road Market. The collecting has accelerated in recent years following two developments:
1. The huge increases in prices of Chinese antiques have made it very expensive to collect most areas of Chinese art. However, Chinese export arts have not suffered the same increase in price and consequently are an area that ordinary people can afford to collect.
2. The bans on the sale of antique ivory have meant that many beautiful ivory fans of the 18th century have appeared on the market at fire sale prices before the trade becomes illegal.
It has been a pleasure for Chris to bring some of these beautiful fans back to the Pearl River Estuary where they were first made.
PROGRAMME
Venue: Hall residence. Registrants will be sent details in due course.
Admission: $100 for members, $150 for guests /non-members.. There is a capped number of this visit. Prepayment is required to confirm your registration.
Booking: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to register your attendance