Mourning Accessories: Hand Fans

Victorian Mourning Fans


Fans have been almost a necessity since the beginning of time. To move stale air, cool the skin, hide away from the sun, and so much more. They have come in all sizes from very large ones on long sticks to cool rooms, to small hand sized ones that fit in a pocket. They have been made all over the world, and from just about every material. During the Georgian and Victorian Era there was even a language of fans, and a code of conduct. With the rules and codes of conduct for mourning, even fans were included. Solid black for deep mourning covered in paper or silk, then Chantilly Lace over cream, lilac, or white. The blades were made of wood, ebony, ivory, mother of pearl, and more. Starting as plain as possible, then as mourning progressed decoration became more ornate. Many folding fans were imported from the Orient, or Venice. Today there are still many Victorian hand fans available on the market, though many are in need of restoration and repair. Is it time to add to your collection?


Images from Ebay


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Antique-Carved-Wood-Hand-Fan-Victorian-Costume-Accessory/332521744615?hash=item4d6bd728e7:g:CyEAAOSw6lRaXU30


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Victorian-Mourning-Hand-Fan-Black-Silk-Wooden-Sticks-Guards-Antique-Nice-1/391917348894?hash=item5b4018281e:g:3vMAAOSwLJ9Z8A6F


https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Victorian-Hand-Painted-Fans-Paper-Mache-Face-Fire-Screens-Carved-Handles-15/112484519612?hash=item1a30998ebc:g:SscAAOSwfIxZa6VK