Chinese Fans: Artistry and Aesthetics (Arts of China) [Hardcover]

Gonglin Qian (Author)

Book Description

Series: Arts of China | Publication Date: April 1, 2000

Functional yet decorative, fans have become synonymous with Chinese culture and represent some of its more diverse works of art.

This book examines the different varieties of fans, including their shapes, textures, and magnificent history.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 78 pages
• Publisher: Long River Press; First Edition edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592650201
• ISBN-13: 978-1592650200
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #627,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chinese fans from a Chinese point of view, December 4, 2004

By 

K. Maxwell "katmax1" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Chinese Fans: Artistry and Aesthetics (Arts of China) (Hardcover)

This book on fans is written from a purely Chinese point of view. It deals not with the fans China made for the west (Mandarin fans and elaborate ivory brise fans), but with those that were made for local use and taste.

First we are given a history of Chinese fans dating back to prehistoric times, quoting numerous examples of ancient fans found in archaeological digs over the last 50-60 years. It also deals with the methods of making fans -both for sticks and leaves and how they have changed over the centuries. There is also a section of painters noted for their fans whose work is highly esteemed within China. This portion of the book, almost more than any other, gives a good feel for how knowledge the West lacks on native Chinese fans. Many 'Great' artists and calligraphers are mentioned that have almost no references in Western art books on Chinese art.

My only disappointment with this small volume is that many of the masterpieces mentioned in the text do not necessarily have corresponding photos. The author seems to assume that the reader would be familiar with these artists. While this may hold true in China this book almost breaks new ground in the west in dealing with Chinese fan painting and manufacturing in English. This book should be part of any fan collectors reference works if you have an interest in Chinese fans.