Antique Cafe Lafayette New York Advertising Hand Fan

This is a gorgeous example of an antique paper hand fan, bound by wooden slats, advertising the famous Cafe Lafayette in New York, dating from the early 20th Century.

The imagery on this fan is stunning, and highlights the opulence and grandeur of those enjoying a night out at the Cafe Lafayette at the time. It features a couple making a toast with a bottle of champagne, and joined in the celebrations by a cherub. The picture was painted by the famous French cartoonist Henri Gerbault, whose signature appears to be printed on the fan.

The fan dates to 1915, when it has been signed, possibly by the then owner or a member of staff from the cafe.

This fan is in outstanding condition considering its age. The imagery is so vibrant still and there are remarkably no rips or tears in the paper and all of the wooden slats are in good order. There are some areas where the paper has creased slightly, and there is also light discolouration all over, most notably on the edges, from where this has aged exposed to sunlight.

Width, 40cm when fully expanded; Length, 21.5cm when closed