Tortoise shell folding fan used by the family of James J. Hill circa 1900.  Its sticks are constructed of true tortoise shell carved with floral designs and appliqued with silver and gold floral foil patterns.  The leaf is made of printed paper which has been hand-colored and gilded.  On the recto are multiple 17th century figures arranged in a court scene, with insets providing detail; on the verso is a pastoral courting scene.

Learn more:

• The Hill House Servants: Life Downstairs
• The Hill Family Collection
• James J. Hill
• More Hill family artifacts