#3513b Vintage solid brass decorative fan with dragon and floral relief.

11”x7” no chips or dings. Decorative fans, particularly those made of metal and featuring intricate designs, have a long history in East Asian cultures. They served not only as functional items for cooling but also as symbols of status, wealth, and artistic expression. Brass, being a durable and malleable metal, was often used for creating elaborate relief patterns that could depict mythological creatures, floral scenes, or historical events.

These types of decorative fans, often referred to as wall hangings or display pieces, became popular as decorative items in the West during the late 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting an interest in Chinoiserie and Japonisme. They are typically mass-produced or artisan-made, intended for aesthetic appeal rather than practical use, and are collected for their decorative qualities and cultural motifs.