History of the Fan

In this richly illustrated study, the humble fan emerges as a window onto centuries of art, ritual, and social exchange. The author weaves together material from royal courts, religious ceremonies, and private collections, tracing how a simple folding device became a status symbol, a diplomatic token, and a canvas for exquisite craftsmanship. Drawing on rare archives, museum holdings, and the generosity of collectors, the narrative balances scholarly detail with vivid anecdotes that bring each era to life. Colour plates and line drawings accompany the text, offering listeners a visual sense of the intricate designs that once fluttered in aristocratic salons and sacred spaces.

The work surveys fans from ancient Egypt and Byzantium through the flamboyant courts of Louis XV, to the delicate lacquered forms of Japan and China. Along the way it reveals the interplay between function and fashion, showing how fans reflected shifting tastes, technological advances, and cultural exchange. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for an object that, though often overlooked, has quietly shaped etiquette, art, and even politics across the globe.