Japanese-style Fan Case With Cranes, Circa 1880

Sheathed on its rounded rectangular body in Midnight Blue leather, this attractive and very interesting Fan Case offers on its upper plate, inlaid, a dreamlike Japanese-inspired decoration made of re-engraved gilded metal. Punctuated on its sides with fine bamboo branches, it is discreetly animated by cranes fluttering with outstretched wings or on the lookout for small prey. Standing out against clouds with sinuous and undulating graphics, the emblematic Disk of the Empire of the Rising Sun "refines" this small composition using the motifs of flora and fauna characteristic of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Set on its edge with a double rush, it opens with hinges by a side press-button revealing a dark interior of a luminous golden-colored damask silk taffeta with elegant interlocking motifs of stylized foliage and flowers. Two holding rings centered on an exotic flower with pleated radiating petals give refinement and preciousness to this Case with gussets. Parisian or European work of Japanese inspiration from the last third of the 19th century. Circa 1880 At the confluence of decorative arts and these small pieces of furniture, objects of "artistic fantasy" offered among others, from the 1860s, by renowned Parisian Houses such as those of L'Escalier de Cristal, A.Giroux or Veuve Duvinage, this attractive Fan Case illustrates by the pleasant dreamlike nature of its decoration the vogue of Japonism raging in France and Europe from the Universal Exhibition of 1867 until the turn of the century. More specifically associated with the enchanting world of Fashion, finery and accessories of feminine Elegance (jewelry, necessities, fans, etc.), it revives the memory of the luxurious and colorful creations of the great couturiers of these glorious decades - Frédéric Worth around 1880 to Mario Fortuny in the 1910s, including those of Vitaldi Babini (1890) or Paul Poiret (1900) - developed from the shapes and patterns of the traditional Japanese Kimono. Just like the artists, the "Japonistes" loved to adorn, to adorn with this exotic costume their models or their Cabinets of Curiosities dedicated to the inventive aesthetics of the "Floating World", the Elegant muses or Ladies of the Parisian bourgeoisie liked to appear in public - on the occasion of costume balls - or in private - as indoor attire - in this garment of distant origin coveted from the 1860s at the oriental art shop of Mrs. Louise Desoye. In 1878, in his first article on "Japan in Paris", Ernest Chesnau noted: "For a few seasons the women's toilet was inspired by that of the Japanese, it still retains some ways". This brief consideration did not foreshadow the bright future of Japonism. The Fan Case presented is part of this clothing movement and must have delightfully completed some chosen outfit. Materials: Midnight Blue leather; Brass and inlaid re-engraved gilded copper; silk taffeta Dimensions: closed: H.: 3 cm; -Length: 36 cm; -W.: 9 cm. Parisian or European work of Japanese inspiration from the last third of the 19th century, Circa 1870-1880 Good general condition (wear from use, particularly on the bellows). Good interior condition