Celadon Fan Form Dish

Chinese fans were first designed over 3,000 years ago and, at first, were simply used to keep cool and block the sun. The shape was functional, but over time as fans became works of art, status symbols, and romantic gifts, the form itself gained symbolic importance. This exquisitely crafted and glazed fan-shaped dish likely adorned a woman's dressing table, as the design, celadon glaze, and bird and branch in relief denote feminine beauty and adoration. The precious object gently transports us to a a very different time and place.