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Show FAN3 BROUGHT FROM ITALY. Encash Traveler of 1608 Describes Them as Curiosities. The following description of fans by Thomas Coryat goes to prove that paper fans were not used In England at tho time of his tour (1C08), und that we borrowed them as well as forki from the Italians. "Hero I will mention a thing, that although perhaps It will sceme but frivolous to divers readers that have already travelled In Italy, yet because unto many that neither bavo beeno there, nor ever Intend to go thither while they live, It will be n mcere novelty, nov-elty, I will not let It pass unmentloned. "The tlrst Italian fannes that 1 saw In Italy did I observe In this space betwixt be-twixt Pizlghlton and Cremona; but afterwards I observed them common in most places of Italy where I travelled. trav-elled. "These fannes both men and women of tho country doe carry, to conic thcii'SPlves wlthall In the time o? heat, by tho often fanning of their fares. Most of them are very elegant and pretty things. "For whereas the fanne connlsteth of a painted piece of paper and a llttlo wooden handle; the paper, which Is fastened Into the top, Is on both sides most curiously adorned with excellent plctuies, having some witty Italian verses or flno emblems written under them; or of some notable Italian city, with a brlefe description thereof added add-ed thereunto." Exchange. |
