Three Fans, mounted in hanging scroll format, Chen Weishu; Zhang Mingqi; Zhou Weiping; Lin Chuigong

Archive Label 2003: An inscription on the back of the mounting notes that a Lin Chuigong had these three works mounted together in 1927 "so as to cherish them." The worn fold marks on Chen Weishu's elegant vignette of songbird, bamboo, and chrysanthemums suggest that this fan had been well used before it was mounted as a hanging scroll. Zhou Weiping's striking hibiscus is painted in the "boneless" technique, where the edges of the objects are depicted without lines. Zhang Mingqi, governor of Canton 1910-1911, used formal, yet lively, brushwork to compose the short essay on fishing that is translated in the wall label at the left. When I, your subject, hold the fishing pole by the river, my mind is without rambling thoughts, and I only contemplate the fish. casting the fishing line, I let the hook sink, without moving my hands. I would not be disturbed by worldly phenomena. When fish see my bait, they mistake it for the sinking dust or congregating bubbles; so they swallow it without doubt. Thus I am able to overcome the powerful by subtle means, control the heavy through gentle movement. Mr. Lietang instructed me to paint this. Archive Label date unknown: The feathery weight of the songbird slightly bends the slender branch of bamboo over delicately painted chrysanthemums. The misty treatment of the bamboo leaves adds an atmospheric quality to this elegant little vignette. The inscription on the left by the artist, Chen Weishu, tells us the date (1891) and inspiration behind the painting. Zhou Weiping's hibiscus is wonderful both in its refined treatment and striking design. The leaves and stem of the hibiscus are mainly executed in the boneless technique where the edges of the objects are depicted without lines. The calligraphy by Zhang Mingqi, governor of Canton between 1910 and 1911, is done in a formal yet lively manner. The passage records Zhang's thoughts comparing the skills of a statesman wtih those of a fisherman.