Muriel Barnes Asmann Collection of Women's Hand Fans

3 oversize flat boxes

74 fans, 2 purses, 1 scarf, 1 book, 11 pins, 3 files of papers, stationery and cards. These fans and related materials were collected by Muriel Barnes Asmann (circa 1908-1965), Lake Forest College Class of 1931 alumna, and wife of Class of 1927 alumnus Edwin Neltnor Asmann (circa 1904-1991). Cultures of origin of the fans include Spanish, Belgian, French, English, American, Ute Indigenous people, Japanese, Chinese, Hong Kong; some origins are guesses rather than documented. The fans range in size from 2 to 18 inches in length.

Open for research.

Fragile; not all fans can be fully opened without damage. Consult the College Archivist.

Materials donated by Edwin Asmann (Lake Forest College Class of 1927) on October 18, 1987. He donated the fan collection of his first wife Muriel Barnes Asmann (Class of 1931) along with the Edwin Asmann Family Collection, 1850-1990 (SC/051).

Edwin Asmann Family Collection, 1850-1990 (SC/051)

Historical Note: Fans originated between the 7th and 10th centuries and have been used for functional and fashion purposes. Types of fans include: the folding or pleating fan, the brisé fan (sticks are wider and connected by a ribbon), and the screen fan (rigid, held in one hand). The folding fan or "Ogi" was created in Japan around the eighth century. Folding fans were first seen in Italy in the 16th century.

Natalia Gutiérrez-Jones, December 2024