Reishi™ x Duvelleroy Eclipse Palmettes Hand-fan

MycoWorks is a biotechnology company that creates premium, animal-free materials. Thirty years of savoir-faire at the intersection of art, science and nature have led to Reishi™, a noble material woven from mycelium. Its feel is comparable to the finest animal leathers, with a lower environmental impact. In addition to its research into developing these future-forward materials, MycoWorks explores their applications by partnering with artists, designers, and artisans.
From this drive to create an exceptional object combining future technology with traditional craftsmanship,
the idea of a fan was born.
Valentine Huyghues Despointes stood out as the ideal choice to work with this innovative material, bringing both boldness and expertise to the project. The nature of Reishi™ called for a palm-leaf shape, without pleating. The marquetry design is inspired by kinetic art, playing on progression and revelation in the movement of the fan’s opening.

Sticks made of Bokapi wood.
The Reishi™ fan palmettes are cut using different templates for each element, prepared according to the design. Each leaf consists of a black split Reishi™ base, onto which Valentine carefully assembles the perforated beige Reishi™ and the corresponding black piece wit her marquetry technique.
The fan maker then assembles the leaves onto the sticks, adjusting the thread tension so that the pattern's continuity is perfect once the fan is fully opened.

Bokapi wood sticks from Equatorial Guinea,
shaped by a craftsman in Spain.
Reishi™ fan leaves made in South Carolina,
crafted in marquetry and assembled in France.