Notes
Overall Analysis: Northeast Document Conservation Center, Andover, MA. Job No. : 86.355.2 of 2. February 29, 1988.
Condition on Receipt:
The folding fan has sixteen ribs ( 10-1/2" long ), including the two carved guard ribs at each end. Two separate pieces of paper are atached to each side of the ribs (front and back of fan). An 1/8" strip of gold paper was folded over the top edges of the papers to hold them securely. A gold strip of paper was also placed on the vertical edge next to the end guards. The front of the fan has a printed, handcolored central image with additional painted design elements on each side of the image. The back of the fan has a painted feather image on the 8th rib. The base of the ribs are held together by a small metal pin with two shell rings at either end.
Fouteen of the sixteen ribs are made of bone to which split bamboo has been addhered. The two guard ribs are made of carved bone attached to a slightly larger bone rib. The left guard is cracked in the carved portion despite previous repair attempts and is detached from its base. Some of the bamboo appears to be cracked or broken; the paper covering prohibits further examination.
The paper on the front and back of the fan showed losses, particularly at the top of the 5th rib. Additionally, the paper was brittle, split, torn, abrated and separating from the ribs. The back of the fan had been copiously mended with pressure-sensitive tapes along the interstices and fold lines. There are stains from foxing, water droplets and adhesive. In many areas the leaf design of gold has lost its gold component (possibly a bronze) and left just the underlying brown image (possibly a paint component which has embrittled the paper). There is moderate surface grime overall.
WORK PERFORMED:
It was not possible to remove the paper pieces from the ribs, due to the extensive damage caused by the pressure-sensitive tape adhesives. Pressure-sensitive tape were removed from the paper on the back of the fan. It was not possible to wash the paper since it could not be detached from the ribs. Tears and splits were mended. Losses to support at the top of the 5th rib were filled with a toned Japanese paper. Filled areas were toned or inpainted with watercolor. Small areas of loss along scratches and abraded aeras in support and design were inpainted with watercolor. The left guard and the 17th bamboo rib were repaired. Bone guards and associated strut were lightly cleaned with water. Broken guard and strut were cleaned of old adhesive mechanically and with acetone. The guard was mended using two .925 silver tabs and two component epoxy resin. Where the guard attached to the strut, a .925 silver tab was adhered as above; pins were used to attach this tab. Two holes were partially drilled in each side of the break. The pins were .925 silver. The strut adjacent to the broken guard was repaired using Japanese tissue and AYAF:AYAT 1:1 in organic solvents as an adhesive. The detached paper pieces of the fan were reassembled with wheat starch paste and Japanese paper.
NOTE: For the safety of the fan, it should be handled as little as possible, and it should not be folded.
Four slides were taken of fan.
Remarks: Details of condition: Handles in need of repair, is delicate and for the safety of the fan should be handled as little as possible, and should not be folded.
