India ,silver hand screen fan Pankha, 19th century

This kind of fan is called Pankha. The handle has a pivot mechanism to allow the head to turn backwards and forwards to provide the desired breeze. They where often used for rtuals, giving fresh air to deities.
Usually made with a repoussé technique, this sterling silver fan has a blade that is composed entirely ofwoven silver strps in emulation of woven rattan. The outer blade has a silver tread scrolling along with a multitude of mobile pearls all along. All beads are present, none is missing.
Fans such as this one were produced in Sylhet in Bengal, which had a long tradition of weaving of grass mats but those made of silver or ivory are very rare. It has French sterling silver control hallmarks.
52 x 24 cm 655grs