This impressive Chinese folding fan combines traditional painting, calligraphy, and bamboo carving into a striking display of artistry. The front depicts two tigers set among rugged mountains, pine trees, and bamboo, accompanied by the inscription “威震群雄”—”Whose Might Awes All Heroes”—a powerful phrase celebrating courage, strength, and commanding presence. The reverse highlights the beautifully carved bamboo guard, engraved with verses from the celebrated Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei, whose tranquil reflections on nature create a thoughtful contrast to the fan’s bold imagery. Also carved into the bamboo are the artisan’s signature, Zi An, and a cyclical date inscription identifying the work as having been carved during a Jiaxu year. Blending martial symbolism with classical Chinese literature, this fan is both an elegant decorative piece and a celebration of China’s enduring artistic traditions.
Translation:
“Whose Might Awes All Heroes”
“Man is at leisure while sweet osmanthus flowers fall; the night is still, and the spring mountain is empty. The rising moon startles the mountain birds; from time to time, they chirp within the spring valley. Carved by Zi A during ‘Little Spring’ (the 10th lunar month) in the Jiaxu Year. [Seal]: Sheng.”
