...but still a treasure. This late 18th-century French silk bridal fan was a gift from a dear friend, a former antiques dealer. As the fan's silk has sustained heavy foxing, I took it to a Paris artisan specialising in textile restoration. He advised the fan is "a museum piece" and too fragile for repairs.
But the sentimentality behind the bridal fan makes it special, no matter its damaged condition. The flocked and hand-woven lace is 19th-century. It once was draped over a fireplace mantel in a Loire Valley chateau.
I prefer treasures with little imperfections and the patina of wear. If an antique appears too pristine, one should wonder about its origins and what restoration work may have gone unreported. Rather like aging - one can age gracefully, with the accompanying lines and battle scars or go to the plastic surgeon and have all signs of character and individuality replaced with a bland expressionless stare.
Why do so many Hollywood actresses seem to be resorting to that these days? It seems a sad commentary on Western society that prizes youth and looks above all else, while ignoring substance and wisdom gained with age. Yet another example of the "entertainment lite" celebrity culture dominating the media, with too many people never looking beyond the surface to see what's happening around them.
That is a beautiful piece ~ so it the lovely lacey textile behind it!
Posted by: Lana | 08 February 2008 at 18:55
Such a beautiful fan, Tara! Since I work with 18th & 19th C textiles I know much of the imperfections & patina that their long lives have given them....and to me it only adds to their beauty and to the story they continue to tell. And every wrinkle on my face does the same thing - they represent a life lived....not one that I wish to undo :)
Posted by: Karen | 30 January 2008 at 19:24
a beautiful piece indeed, a treasure tara!!
and i LOVE the cloth underneath ;)))
Posted by: marita | 29 January 2008 at 19:55
I came by to read you Patry Francis entry but found myself attracted to this as well.
Nice blog.
Posted by: Nathalie | 29 January 2008 at 19:27
I love patina , broken things . it seems they lived ...It is just wonderufl the way it is
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | 29 January 2008 at 19:03
A beautiful fan and an amazing photo. I can feel the cooling breeze.....
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 29 January 2008 at 17:55
oh this is so beautiful a post, Tara. I dont understand why looks matter so much these days, the fact that beauty is skin-deep is out the window,sad!
Posted by: UL | 29 January 2008 at 11:21
Gosh, I wonder what it looked like when it was originally used all those years ago?
Posted by: Amy | 29 January 2008 at 08:34
Oh what an adorable piece. I too was once guilty and focussed on the superficial. What a treasure now to be able to look behind it and see true beauty
Posted by: marja | 29 January 2008 at 08:34
Truly a treasure!Substance and wisdom qualities you have Tara as well a caring heart!hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 29 January 2008 at 06:49
Exquisite delicate treasure! Oh, I agree with you about imperfections and wear; this piece evokes so much more because it is not in pristine condition.
Tara, yes, yes, yes to how you wove that concept of the truly beautiful marks of life into an opinion I share about those who seek to eradicate any signs of aging or other so-called "beauty/body" imperfections! Wonderful post!
Posted by: gel (Emerald Eyes) | 29 January 2008 at 05:05
What a breathtaking piece. I once had a teacher in high school that taught us so much more than English. She once said she was proud of each and every line on her face as it showed her life and she was proud of each wrinkle. Hearing that as a young 17 year old truly meant a lot and I will never forget it.
Posted by: Rosa | 29 January 2008 at 04:35
Beautifully said--and heartening! It's all about the inner light.
Posted by: patry francis | 29 January 2008 at 03:42
I think I'm going to change that to "foxy". As in , it's beautiful, Tara. As is your post.
I've been trying for some time now to make things look like they have "foxing". I take workshops and read books, trying to get that "just right" foxing look....patinas, etc.
Posted by: Karen Cole | 29 January 2008 at 01:51
What a lovely treasure, Tara! It's true...things that have a history and show the signs are ever so much more interesting. After seeing Julie Christie on the SAG awards last night - looking absolutely stunning (and I think untucked), it makes me feel sorry for those ladies "of an age" who have been stretched beyond recognition. P.S. Sorry your brothers destroyed your childhood dolls. Oh well, what fun you'll have putting together a new collection!
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | 29 January 2008 at 00:18
Oh yes!! Everyone that I know who has aged gracefully looks gorgeous! I do love tarnished patina-ed treasures!!! xoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 28 January 2008 at 23:59
Oh I nearly forgot...the fan is gorgeous. Love the word "foxing". Now when a client comes in complaining about age spots I'll tell them it's "foxing". Sounds better!!! LOL
Another reason for me not getting braces, my teeth are slightly crooked, is my smile gives me character. So many chiclets out there! (A dentist down the road told me that she counsels some of her patients not to straighten for the same reason...everyone has the same smile!)
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 28 January 2008 at 22:14
I agree with you wholeheartedly. So would my daughters!
I am in the business of beauty, but we try to make each face shine it's own unique way. We wouldn't dream of recommending surgery or injectables to our clients, as we feel that is personal choice. So many women I find are looking for some help after the age of 50. Why? You would think by then a woman would be comfortable in her skin.
Hollywood embraces youth, and all things disposable including fashion. So rather than pass up a role or give it to a younger actress, they go under the knife.
Where are the movie roles for beautiful OLDER women? Let's write a screenplay Tara, starring anyone over 50 with class, style and grace.
xo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 28 January 2008 at 22:09
Perfection is dreadfully dull...........!
A good thing I think that, living where I do
This fan is charming
Posted by: Elizabeth | 28 January 2008 at 21:48
I'm with you on the age thing. Antiques are beautiful with their little bits of damage so why can't we be?
I like the word foxing, I have loads of bits for Ghost that have foxing it sounds so much more romantic than damage.
Posted by: Di Overton | 28 January 2008 at 18:39
What a delicate piece - look at that handle! So, so lovely, and beautifully presented here. I'm curious as to its size.
Posted by: dianamuse | 28 January 2008 at 18:27
I didn't know the term foxing....hmmmm, I have some lovely foxing going on on my hands!
Beautiful fan, the foxing just makes it even more rich with a story to tell.
x...x
Posted by: stephanie | 28 January 2008 at 16:47
I hope I never succumb to the vanity that is botox and plastic surgery. I have so many more lines and wrinkles now -- but they are the evidence and the proof of my life lived well. I love your fan and the lace and I had no idea what "foxing" was all about -- and now I do!!! The imperfections in everything are what make most things (and people) loveable!!
Posted by: Sherry | 28 January 2008 at 16:25
Wonderful treasures, Tara! I agree with you on treasuring beauty in all its forms. xx, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 28 January 2008 at 15:37
Such a pretty fan, and sentiment behind it. Like you, I prefer imperfect things. The things that give a person or object character and grace.
If all a persons time is spent worrying about the outside, there is no time to tend to the garden within and with aging, you can run but you can't hide! Thankfully, my mom has been a great example of a woman who still cares about herself, and presents herself beautifully to the world, without surgery. She make eighty~one and a half look terrific!!
Thank you for teaching me the word foxing!
Sending smiles!
xox
Constance
You are a beautiful woman!
Posted by: rochambeau | 28 January 2008 at 14:55
Tara,
It is beautiful, just the way it is...wouldn't change a thing. And your picture and choice of background is just exquisite!!
Posted by: My Melange | 28 January 2008 at 14:09