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I recently came across this 19th Century Ox Bone Fan on eBay and wanted to know if anyone was an expert and could verify where it was made and any other knowledge about the piece. I have done extensive research but am not 100%. It's beautiful but before I bid, I want to make sure its legit.

Looks like a good deal right now!

Link :Ox Bone Fan - Expert Opinion?

The fan looks like it actually is made of bone, as there are capillaries visible in the close-up picture of the end-blade. Also, there is nothing in the pattern to suggest it was carved in Canton, unless the seller means Canton, Ohio. My sense of the late 19th-early 20th century market is that anyone who could afford to own a Chinese-made fan wanted it to look like it was made in China. This one in the box marked "Chicago", looks more like something made in the West to suit late Victorian esthetics.

Here's a photo montage showing front, back and details of a more typical Canton fan.

Best regards,

Bill

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