ISTANBUL.- Sabancı Museum’s new exhibition, “Fans From Past to Present,” has opened to the public at the SSM with a selection of rare fans.

The exhibition is presenting the private collection of Nurcan Artam, CEO of Antik A.S, which consists of around 120 rare fans dating back to between 1720 and 1900, as well as oil paintings that reflect the importance of fans as one of the most interesting accessories in the history of clothing.

In addition, opera binoculars depicting gold, porcelain and enamel workmanship are also at the exhibition, reflecting the opera culture of yesteryear. The exhibition, which is highlighting the importance of fans throughout history in fashion, ceremonies and daily life will be open until Aug. 25.

“Fans, as one of the most interesting accessories of clothing, a key aspect in the history of culture, have formed a significant detail in fashion from antiquity to the 20th century. In addition to being an accessory in clothing, they have played a role in painting in Europe, especially in portraits,” SSM Director Nazan Ölçer said.

“We hope that through this valuable collection and the exhibition catalogue, we will help to create new enthusiasts. We are pleased to exhibit, for the first time in our museum, the meticulously and tastefully collected fans of Nurcan Artam, who has since long created a life filled with works of art and has adopted the mission of forming a bridge between many important collection pieces from the past centuries and their new owners,” she said.

Artam also shared her feelings on the fan exhibition, saying: “I am extremely pleased about opening the first fan exhibition at the Sabancı Museum and collecting the ‘antique fans’ that form a group of my personal collections in a book, carrying them forward, to future generations.”