Fan 1886

This elegant fan was crafted by Darlington, Runk & Co. with lace and ivory. The handmade lace mounted on a delicate structure of ivory reveals the social values and labor practices of its time. Lace, historically a luxury item, signifies status and wealth through the intense labor involved in its production. Here, it's a symbol of refinement, achieved through complex needlework. The ivory—sourced from elephant tusks—offers a smooth, robust structure, contrasting the ethereal quality of the lace. Consider the cultural significance of fans like these in social settings. They were used as tools of non-verbal communication, particularly in courtship. By understanding the materials and the handwork involved, we can appreciate how this fan blurs boundaries between fashion, craft, and social ritual.