Fans were not just fashion accessories but were powerful nonverbal communication tools as well.
A fan drawn slowly across the cheek said I love you
Touching the fan to the left ear said Go away
Fanning slow meant I am engaged
Fanning fast meant I am independent
If the fan was shut it meant Hate
If the fan was wide open it meant Love
A half shut fan said Friendship
The wealthier a woman was the more ornate were her fans and the more of them she owned. The fans were made of vellum, fine paper and silk and were often painted. The supports were made of tortoiseshell, ivory or mother-of-pearl. From an article on Victorian Rituals.
Here are a couple of lovely examples of fans
Click on image to download
Click on image to download
Enjoy!
