A folding paper fan with a black lacquered handle embellished with a gold garden design. The front features a hand-painted chinoiserie scene of a garden pavilion, while the reverse has botanical imagery. Both sides are framed with symbolic motifs and floral patterns. The faces in the court scene are painted on small, applied ivory pieces.

Chinese fans like this had been produced for export in response to a demand for luxury goods of Chinese manufacture, an allure that dates back to the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road. This fan reflects the extravagant design tastes of the 19th century Western market, in stark contrast to the more subdued and naturalistic fans favoured by Chinese citizens.