Carved fan, calligraphy

Bamboo frame carving by Jin Xiya Chinese

Calligrapher Calligraphy by Shen Yinmo Chinese

1945 (bamboo carving); undated (fan calligraphy)

Not on view

This folding fan features carvings on its outer ribs by Jin Xiya (1890–1979), the finest bamboo artist active in twentieth-century China. It conveys the artist’s sophisticated skill in relief carving. In addition to the extraordinary carving, this fan also bears calligraphy by notable calligrapher Shen Yinmo (1887–1971). Taken together, this work shed light on the dense web of social and artistic relationships among China’s elite during a time of wrenching change in the formation of modern China.

According to the archival list of Jin’s works (fan frame #337), the bamboo carving was completed on November 29, 1945.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

現代　沈尹默書詩，金西厓刻扇骨　成扇
Title: Carved fan, calligraphy
Artist: Bamboo frame carving by Jin Xiya (Chinese, 1890–1979)
Calligrapher: Calligraphy by Shen Yinmo (Chinese, 1883–1971)
Date: 1945 (bamboo carving); undated (fan calligraphy)
Culture: China
Medium: Folding fan; ink on gold-flecked paper with carved bamboo frame
Dimensions: 12 1/4 × 18 5/8 in. (31.1 × 47.3 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Gift of Jin Xiya's granddaughters: Joyce King, Sandra King-Frazier, Lynda King Clark, and Donna King-Luft, 2021
Object Number: 2021.175
Rights and Reproduction: © Jin Xiya
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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