The fan originated in the three ancient dynasties: Hsia, Shang and Chou (2205-255 B.C.), and was widely used in the Sung dynasty. The four fan pictures, recommended by the National Palace Museum, are on silk fans painted by four artists of the Sung dynasty.The stamps are briefly described as follows:2.00 〝Hibiscus〞 by Li Tung: Li Tung's date and place of birth are unknown, but during the reign of the Emperor Li-tsung of the Southern Sung dynasty he often did paintings of villages with houses, fields, and gardens.
5.00 〝Lilies〞 by Lin Chun: Lin Chun (flourished 1174) was a native of Chien-tang, the modern Hangchow in Chekiang. He was a member of the Painting Academy in the Chun-hsi period (1174-1190) of the Emperor Hsiao-tsung. His paintings depict flowers and birds, animals, and fruit. He modeled his works after Chao Chang, applying color very thinly on the paintings, and catching the wonder of creation.
8.00 〝Two Deer, Mushrooms and Pine〞 by Mou Chung-fu: The dates of Mou Chung-fu's are not known, but he was a native of Suichou in Hupei. He painted birds and wild animals, his chickens being particularly fine. His paintings of apes, monkeys, and deer bear comparison with those of I Yuan-chi of the Northern Sung.
10.00 〝Wild Flowers and Quail〞 by Li An-chung: Li An-chung (flourished 1119-1131)was a member of the Painting Academy in the Hsuan-ho period, and held various official positions, though his native province is not recorded. In the Shao-hsing period, after the re-establishment of the Sung in the south, he once more held a position in the Painting Academy. He painted flowers, birds, and wild animals in motion. His strong