A PAINTED FAN WITH CINNABAR LACQUER ENDS THE MOUNTS, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the lacquer ends each carved with precious objects hung on a beaded cord on a leiwen ground, the interior side of each fan mount inscribed with a later-inscribed dedicatory inscription picked out in gilt, the fan painted with a mountain landscape on one side and a long inscription on the other

The mounts: The overall condition is very good with no repairs. The paper fan has a few tears along the folds of the fan. A few of the lacquer ribs have chips to the lacquering.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscriptions on the fan frame can be translated as follows:
       Zhi Shen Nengyi jinzeng
        I, officer Shen Nengyi made this as a gift respectfully.

       Yongzhi Buzhang qingshang
        For the pure enjoyment of Minister Yongzhi

A mid-Qing period lacquer frame was used for this fan which was presented by Shen Nengyi, a Republican Period figure from Tongxiang, Zhejiang province, to Minister Yongzhi (1880-1967) who was a descendent of Confucius and Minister of several departments in the Republican government. The painter of the landscape is Huang Jun, a Beijing artist and gongbi-style painting teacher. The calligraphy is by Zhang Qihou (1873-1944) from Sizhou in Anhui Province, who successfully passed the Imperial exams held in the 30^th year of Guangxu's reign (corresponding to 1904) and became known for his poetry and calligraphy.

The carving of the lacquer fan-frame is exemplary and probably from the late Qianlong or Jiaqing period, possibly Imperial. Its use as the mount for a gift in the Republican period makes it a fascinating and important documentary work of art.