Lacquered bamboo and paper fan

An unusual Chinese lacquered bamboo and paper fan with hidden reversible saucy scene.

This intriguing and finely constructed folding fan is mounted with lacquered bamboo guards and ribs, supporting a delicately painted paper leaf. The obverse is decorated with a graceful scene of a warrior maiden standing beside a river landscape, rendered in soft tones with elegant brushwork.The reverse is painted with dragon.

Of particular interest is the fan’s concealed reversible mechanism, allowing it to be opened in an alternate manner to reveal a hidden interior scene. This secondary composition presents a lively and rather intimate gathering, intended for discreet viewing…

A fascinating and entertaining example, combining refined exterior decoration with a concealed element of surprise, characteristic of the ingenuity and wit found in early 20th century Chinese export and scholar’s objects.