Antique 18thC Brise Hand Carved Hand Painted Fan Gilded With Clarke Box

Description

Antique 1800s Hand Carved Hand Painted Fan Gilded Original Holder. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.
A gorgeously gilted hand painted paper fan circa late 1700s early 1800s. Romantic scene surrounded by pink flowers. Hand carved ivory or animal bone sticks with brass fastener.
Pink paper box (tiny tear) with handwritten label "Clarke Fan Maker, No. 45 Ludgate Hill
Although the only surviving fans associated with them are printed fans, their career illustrates the relative wealth and success achievable by the leading fan makers. They were initially based in Ludgate hill, from where in 1756 Robert Clarke joined the Worshipful company of fan makers. Robert and John Clarke, 'Fan and Hat Maker', are then recorded with a shop at 87 Bishopsgate in 1771, moving to 26 Strand in about 1777. By 1791, Robert Clarke is working alone again, his goods are insured for a considerable sum £800 - and he is able to name royalty amongst his clients. The label on a Robert Clarke fan box proudly proclaims the patronage of their Royal Highness the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester."
http://www.artnet.com/artists/james-nixon/mrs-clark-fan-maker-ludgate-hill-MZdK4PdzQiH2_gUGqAYejA2
A similar fan box is on display at the victoria and albert museum in London