Waaierdoos van karton, beplakt met wit papier, randen met goudpapier afgebiesd c. 1900 - 1925

Editor: Here we have a fan box by Duvelleroy, likely crafted between 1900 and 1925. It's made of cardboard covered in white paper, with gilded edges. It seems so simple and understated. What significance could such an object hold? Curator: The simplicity is key, isn't it? Consider what a fan represented in that era – subtle communication, social status, even a secret language. The box isn’t just storage; it's a reliquary for those unspoken words. The white and gold reinforce this, hinting at purity and value. How does the box itself make you feel, knowing what it contained? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Knowing the box held a fan…it feels more precious, like it contains something of real emotional value, not just a material one. Does the specific choice of cardboard and paper speak to anything in particular? Curator: The cardboard hints at accessibility, perhaps a wider market than precious metals would allow. But the meticulous covering and gilding elevate it. It's a paradox. An everyday material given ceremonial importance, much like the unspoken social rituals it protected. What emotional association do you have to this "elevated" but humble, crafted object? Editor: I find that contrast really fascinating, how something seemingly ordinary can hold so much meaning and cultural weight. It kind of makes me think about how we assign value to objects today and the stories they tell about us. Curator: Precisely! It’s a beautiful echo across time. Seeing the gilded trimming, it evokes ideas and feelings connected to treasured moments of joy. It's cultural memory, continuing in visual symbols. Editor: I really appreciate how you connected the material to the social context and emotional significance. I definitely see this box in a new light now. Curator: And I found your personal reflection made me aware how this is more than cultural history—it is how personal memories are handed on.