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Object Timeline

1954

  • We acquired this object.

2007

2014

2025

  • You found it!

Brisé Fan (USA)

This is a Brisé fan. It is dated 1880–1900 and we acquired it in 1954. Its medium is ostrich feathers, tortoise shell sticks, silk ribbon. It is a part of the Textiles department.

Ostrich-feather fans, often dyed, shaded, or streaked with color, were popular fashion accessories for formal occasions. Dyed ostrich feathers were also used to embellish hats, muffs, dresses, and wraps.

This object was donated by Ina K. Pitner. It is credited Gift of Ina K. Pitner.

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  • 2008-13-1-a/c

Its dimensions are

H x W (open): 36.8 x 50.8 cm (14 1/2 x 20 in.)

Cite this object as

Brisé Fan (USA); ostrich feathers, tortoise shell sticks, silk ribbon; H x W (open): 36.8 x 50.8 cm (14 1/2 x 20 in.); Gift of Ina K. Pitner; 1954-36-1

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18401073/ |title=Brisé Fan (USA) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=13 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>