18th-century Fan With Secret Compartment, Beauty Set, “the Embroiderers”

A very rare period Louis XVI fan featuring an ingenious system concealed with in its two guard sticks. Each contains a hidden compartment accessible via asliding mechanism.
Inside, one finds two small circular mirrors, while several custom-fitted compartments were designed to hold small accessories.
The exact purpose of the compartments remains open to interpretation. They were likely intended for abeauty kit, but could also hold a writing tablet and stylus or small accessories related to embroidery. The compartments also feature slightly different shapes between the front and rear guardsticks.
The bone frame is finely engraved, carved, and re-drilled with adecor of figures. The leaf is made of leather and is mounted in the English style. On the front is a very beautiful scene depicting young girls engaged in their embroidery work. On the reverse, three cartouches decorated with chinoiserie motifs, which were very fashionable at the time. A slight stain on the left side of the reverse of the fan leaf, and a tiny tear on a strand visible in the photos.
The entire piece is in very good condition.
It measures 10,43 inches long when folded.
An exceptional fan; this type of fan with secret compartments was extremely rare in the 18thcentury.
Circa 1780.