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Fans: A Link Between Cultures

Exhibition Introduction Advertising Fans Tortoiseshell and Sandalwood Fashion, Sophistication, and Myth European Influence Fan Glossary Language of the Fans Photograph List Exhibition Credits 00.131.64 Detail of an engraving 1847 The Secret Language of Fans Fan Gestures and Their Meanings Placing the fan near the heart: "You have won my love." Rest the shut fan on the right eye: "When may I be allowed to see you?" Number of sticks shown: Corresponding hour to meet. Touching the unfolded fan in the act of waving: "I always long to be near you." Threatening with the shut fan: "Don't be so impruent." To press the half-opened fan to the lips: "You may kiss me." Clasping the hands under the open fan: "Forgive me." To cover the left ear with the open fan: "Do not betray our secret." To hide the eyes behind the open fan: "I love you." To shut the full open fan very slowly: "I promise to marry you." Drawing the fan across the eyes: "I am sorry." Touching the tip of the fan with the finger: "I wish to speak to you." Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: "Yes." Letting the fan rest on the left cheek: "No." To open and shut the fan several times: "You are cruel." To drop the fan: "We will be friends." To fan very slowly: "I am married." To fan very quickly: "I am engaged." To put the handle of the fan to the lips: "Kiss me." To open the fan wide: "Wait for me." To place the fan behind the head: "Do not forget me." To do so with the little finger extended: "Good-bye." Carrying the fan in the right hand and in front of the face: "Follow me." Carrying the fan in the left hand and in front of the face: "I am desirous of your acquaintance." Placing the fan on the left ear: "I wish to get rid of you." Drawing the fan across the forehead: "You have changed." Twirling the fan in the left hand: "We are watched." Twirling the fan in the right hand: "I love another." Carrying the fan in the right hand: "You are too willing." Carrying the fan, open, in the left hand: "Come and talk to me." Drawing the fan through the hand: "I hate you." Drawing the fan across the cheek: "I love you." Presenting the fan shut: "Do you love me?"

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