Partial copy of an inscription on an oracle bone from the Shang dynasty; Partial copy of Yan Zhenqing’s autobiography (Gaoshen tie)
This double fan, which was once mounted back-to-back, reveals the vast range of sources Li Jian wished to impart to Wen Fong. On the upper fan, Li copied examples of the earliest surviving Chinese writing, called oracle bones, which were records of royal divination ceremonies that were scratched onto animal bones and turtle shells beginning around 1200 BCE. On the bottom, he copied the prominent eighth-century CE calligrapher Yan Zhenqing, who was celebrated by later generations for the solidity of his writing.
Artwork Details
- 現代 李健 節臨甲骨文銘文，楷書節錄顔真卿告身帖 扇頁二幅
- Title: Partial copy of an inscription on an oracle bone from the Shang dynasty; Partial copy of Yan Zhenqing’s autobiography (Gaoshen tie)
- Artist: Li Jian (1881/1882–1956)
- Date: Undated, 1940s
- Culture: China
- Medium: Two folding fans mounted on an album leaf; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Overall with mounting (closed): 13 3/8 × 25 1/4 in. (34 × 64.1 cm)
Overall with mounting (open): 26 11/16 × 25 1/4 in. (67.8 × 64.1 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Lent by Constance and Wen Fong Collection
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Li Jian (Chinese, 1747–1799)
1793
Li Jian (1881/1882–1956)
Undated, 1940s
Li Jian (1881/1882–1956)
Undated, 1940s
Li Jian (1881/1882–1956)
Calligraphy undated, 1940s; painting dated 1943
Li Jian (1881/1882–1956)
Undated
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