Hand fan - Leather, Horn - Wayang style

Vintage Indonesian pierced and hand-painted leather hand fan with horn handle, a decorative example of traditional craftsmanship inspired by Indonesian shadow-puppet art.

The fan is made from pierced and hand-painted leather, intricately decorated with ornamental patterns. The central panels depict stylised human figures with elongated limbs and elaborate headdresses, rendered in contrasting tones of black, silver and gold. The finely dotted background and symmetrical composition reflect decorative motifs associated with Wayang traditions, the famous Indonesian shadow-puppet theatre in which characters are often portrayed with exaggerated proportions and highly stylised forms.

The fan is fitted with a carved horn handle, shaped with a pierced terminal for suspension. Thin cords secure the leather panels to the frame, allowing the fan to open and close. The combination of pierced leather decoration, hand-painted detail and horn handle gives the piece a distinctive handcrafted character.

Condition consistent with age and use. The leather shows light wear and small surface marks, while the painted decoration remains clearly visible with an attractive aged patina.

A striking vintage decorative object combining traditional Indonesian artistry with practical design, ideal for collectors of ethnographic artefacts, Asian decorative arts, or unusual handcrafted fans.