This traditional Chinese scroll was painted by Fang Eqin, President of the Chinese Artist Association, Shaanxi Branch, one of the most noted artists in China. This painting was presented to a group of HSU students who have studied in the Northwest University, Xi' an, China and given to them as a token of friendship. The inscription on the painting reads:

"To American Friends."

Fang Eqin was born in 1941, in the famous ancient city of Xi' an. When he retired in 2001, he devoted himself to painting.

"When I was a little boy I was very fond of paintings. Later I was accepted to an academy of fine arts and gained some very good results. After graduation I began to engage in work with cultural relics and museums. My long career means that I have come to appreciate antiques very much and learn a great deal. Being an official has brought me many chances to listen, enjoy and learn, eventually allowing me to become quite an expert."

Are you wondering why this painting is so wrinkled? It is very common for artists in China to simply fold up their paintings, with no worry.

After a Chinese calligrapher or painter has created an artwork on Shuan Paper, it becomes wrinkled naturally. There is a special process in which the paintings are mounted, and only then considered finished.

Due to budgetary constraints, the Library could not afford to properly mount this painting.

More links about Chinese mounting and conservation techniques:

http://aic.stanford.edu/jaic/articles/jaic42-03-007_2.html

http://www.art-virtue.com/order/ReadMeFirst.html