Fan

Date1775-1800

MediumWood sticks and guard; hand-colored line engraving on laid paper leaf.

DimensionsLength: 10"; Width: 16 1/2";

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1986-50

DescriptionFan with plain wooden sticks. Paper leaf is printed in design of an oracle. Instructions for the game, an example, and a center numbered counter are framed by leaves, bows and bellflowers. Two angels hold up ribbon stating "oracle" and a "Book of Fate." There are ten lists of ten Roman gods and goddesses in rotating order. Reverse has ten gods' faces in round medallions and answers to questions posed on front. Laid paper.

Questions:
1. Whether one is to get riches.
2. Whether one wil be lucky at play.
3. Whether one is to inherit an estate.
4. Whether what one thinks will come to pass.
5. Whether a match will succeed.
6. Whether the proposed wedding is of any advantage.
7. Whether one will be successful in his amours.
8. What sort of husband she will have.
9. Whether the dream be true.
10. Whether fortune will change.

There are 100 possible answers on the reverse of the fan. (Ten questions each answered by the ten gods and goddesses.)
Inscription(s)Initials L.G. on mount at Guard Stick.