Fan leaves made from textiles rose to popularity in the 1770s, and lace in particular was prized for its rich texture, which could imitate the appearance of carved ivory. Often used for weddings, fans with lace leaves remained fashionable throughout the nineteenth century. This fan's leaf is made of a fine, flat needle lace (lace formed by a single needle and thread) typical of examples from the third quarter of the eighteenth century. The metal loop at the bottom of this fan's mount was a later addition, suggesting that this fan was used well into the next century.