In medieval Europe, the hand fan was a symbol of feminine elegance—an essential accessory for etiquette, fashion, and social display. Expensive and exquisitely crafted, a fan was often a prized possession of aristocratic women, a coveted token of refinement and prestige.

The 18th century marked the golden age of global maritime trade. To meet the West’s growing desire for luxurious fans, Guangzhou workshops produced large quantities of ornate, meticulously crafted fans infused with unmistakable Eastern flair—works that captivated the European market and satisfied its unrelenting appetite for beauty and novelty. 

This exhibition presents more than 200 Chinese export fans and European Chinoiserie fans from the Guangdong Museum’s collection, complemented by export silk garments, shawls, and jewelry. Together, they recreate historical settings in rich detail, allowing visitors to experience the global sensation sparked by Chinese fans—and the worldwide fascination with the aesthetics of China.

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