24/05/2026
👉 𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : 𝐚 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐨𝐟-𝐚-𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!
This Chinese fan was entrusted to me because its frame was badly damaged: half of its sticks were either missing, split or incomplete.
The fan leaf, however, was in perfect condition apart from a few tears: what a relief!
Unfortunately, it was inconceivable to reproduce the missing sticks identically: finding the same type of wood with an exact match in colour is difficult enough, but what is truly impossible is to reproduce the engraving, carving and shaping necessary to create the illusion of these 19th-century sticks, whilst staying within a reasonable budget.
I proposed an innovative solution to save this fan by replicating a similar style that was common in the 19th century: mixed-colour frames.
I had some antique sticks in my collection that were similar to those on this fan, but of a slightly lighter shade.
With the owner’s enthusiastic consent, I was able to reassemble the frame, alternating the light and dark sticks, whilst using materials of the same origin and period.
An exceptional situation calls for an exceptional restoration!
Note: Chinese fans allow their ribs to be assembled and disassembled without causing any damage to the leaves. This procedure is therefore entirely reversible, and a ‘traditional’ restoration can be carried out at any time!
I would be delighted to hear your thoughts on this unusual approach!
