BOSTON, MA – Every Mandarin Oriental hotel has its own fan, a profoundly meaningful symbol of Oriental culture, which bonds each property to the company’s heritage and its iconic fan logo. An authentic and elegant reflection of Asian tradition, hotel fans are chosen to represent the distinctive character of each property, and to highlight the history and culture of the local destination. 

True to this tradition, Mandarin Oriental, Boston – Group’s new luxury property which opened October 6th 2008 – is delighted to unveil its signature fan, chosen in collaboration with the Boston-area’s prestigious Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts.

Housed in the museum’s permanent collection, the fan image selected for Mandarin Oriental, Boston is an exquisite Chinese fan specifically created for export in the late 1850’s. Highlighting Boston’s close association with the golden era of the China Trade, the fan depicts the city of Whampoa, a port city on the banks of China’s Pearl River well known to Boston merchants, painted in a realistic style with exceptional detail of the city and the waters below it. Ships flying the flags of many different lands are shown unloading at the docks – symbolic of Boston’s past as an international port city, and of its future, as the city takes its place in a new era of international cooperation and communication.  Boston’s relationship with China and the Far East began in 1785 with the inaugural voyage of The Grand Turk, which sailed from Salem, Massachusetts. Clipper ships continued to sail from Boston, plying the waters of the Far East and returning with materials, information, and souvenirs of the far-off lands – souvenirs that included the fan of the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. 

“With its renowned collection of Chinese export art, the Peabody Essex Museum offered outstanding curatorial guidance in helping select a fan that would best represent Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in this city of indisputable history, intellect and culture,” said General Manager, Susanne Hatje. “We are deeply appreciative of their collaboration in the creation of this beautiful and symbolic emblem for our hotel.”

“As one of the nation’s major museums for Asian art, the research and attention to detail that went in to finding the most appropriate fan for this particular property was an enticing challenge for us,” noted Dan Monroe, Director of the PEM. “This fan seamlessly ties together the longstanding relationship and interaction between the historic and artistic traditions of Boston and the Orient, which remain as relevant today as they were in 1850. We are proud to house it in our collection, and proud to share this heritage with Mandarin Oriental, Boston.”

Completed in the mid-19th century and crafted from lacquer sticks, hand-painted paper leaf, lacquer, gouache, gold and brass, this remarkable fan is the product of the intricate work of dozens of Chinese artists, including skilled woodcarvers, lacquer artists, ivory carvers, and silk weavers. The reverse of the fan is decorated with fifty Chinese figures attending a theatrical performance; each figure is adorned with delicate silk garments and an applied ivory face.

About Mandarin Oriental, Boston
An intimate, luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston will combine classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create the most distinctive hospitality experience in the region when it opens in October 2008.  Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites over 14 floors, the hotel will delight guests with the finest facilities and service, innovative dining experiences and an unparalleled holistic spa experience.  A short, 15-minute drive to Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston will connect guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of the chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.