LibraryEqin, Fang
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 Cal Poly Humboldt 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."
"People of the art world have shown me favour, especially the higher authorities. Following in the footsteps of the Masters of Fine Art, Mr. Zhao Wangyun and Mr. Shi Lu, I have served as the Chairman of the Artists Association of Shaanxi Province since 1985. During my time I have been able to do a lot of work in developing Shaanxi Fing Arts, as well as my own painting. I have also contacted many artists, viewed a large number of paintings and greatly increased my artistic knowledge. As a result, I have gained a good reputation."
"At present, I have the freedom to arrange my time as I see fit, walking in quiet and secluded woods, visiting pleasant villages, seeing the grand sea, wading across mountain streams, enjoying exotic flowers and rare herbs, smelling intriguing fruites. Seeing more and thinking more makes me yearn to paint more"
by Fang Eqin, 2001
This painting can be found on the 1st floor.
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: