Carved fan, peony blossoms and calligraphy

Bamboo frame carving by Jin Xiya Chinese

Painting by Wu Dongmai Chinese

Calligrapher Calligraphy by Pang Guojun Chinese

1942 (bamboo carving); undated (fan painting); 1958 (fan calligraphy)

Not on view

This folding fan features exquisite carvings on its outer ribs by Jin Xiya (1890–1979), the finest bamboo artist active in twentieth-century China. This work showcase Jin’s virtuosic command of traditional bamboo carving as well as his creative experimentation. His works incorporate compositions from designs contributed by important modern artists, such as Zhao Shuru (1874–1945) and Wu Hufan (1894–1968) on this piece. This fan is further embellished with painting and calligraphy by his contemporary artists—shedding light on the dense web of social and artistic relationships among China’s elite during a time of wrenching change in the mid-twentieth century.

According to the archival list of Jin’s works (fan frame #241), the bamboo carving was completed on October 21, 1942.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Carved fan, peony blossoms and calligraphy
Artist: Bamboo frame carving by Jin Xiya (Chinese, 1890–1979)
Artist: Painting by Wu Dongmai (Chinese, 1886–1963)
Calligrapher: Calligraphy by Pang Guojun (Chinese, 1884–1966)
Date: 1942 (bamboo carving); undated (fan painting); 1958 (fan calligraphy)
Culture: China
Medium: Folding fan; ink and color on paper with carved bamboo frame
Dimensions: 13 1/8 × 20 in. (33.3 × 50.8 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Jin Xiya's granddaughters Joyce King, Sandra King Frazier, Lynda King Clark, and Donna King-Luft, 2022
Object Number: 2022.433
Rights and Reproduction: © Jin Xiya
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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In the same medium

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Folding fan with roses and calligraphy
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Calligrapher Calligraphy by Chu Deyi
1933 (bamboo carving); 1934 (fan calligraphy); 1935 (fan painting)

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Jin Xiya
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Unidentified artist
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