CHINA, Canton – 19th century A fan composed of ivory ribs (Elephantidae spp.) carved with figures, and painted with a scene depicting figures in an interior. The border is decorated with butterflies and flowers. (Some damage). H.: 28 cm Fans with ivory ribs are emblematic of 19th-century Canton craftsmanship, as the city was a major centre for the export trade to Europe. Ivory, a precious and highly prized material, arrived in large quantities by sea, enabling Cantonese craftsmen to demonstrate exceptional technical virtuosity. Workshops in Canton specialised in fine, detailed carvings, often adapted to Western tastes. These fans met a strong demand from European markets for luxurious and exotic objects. They thus illustrate the integration of Chinese craftsmanship into 19th-century commercial and cultural exchanges. Elephantidae SPP Weight: 139.5 g *Pre-Convention ivory specimen (I/A), dating from before 1 July 1947 and therefore compliant with Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996, Article 2-Wmc, and predating 1 July 1975 and therefore compliant with the French decrees of 4 May 2017 and January 2022. For export from the European Union, a CITES re-export permit will be required. CIC FR2609508669-K Expert: Cabinet Portier Alice Jossaume [email protected] Please request the condition reports: they are not included in the descriptions. BUYER’S FEES FOR THIS LOT: 20% incl. VAT (VAT not recoverable).