CHEN SHIZENG (1876-1923) / CHEN ZHI / YE YUN (1901-1983) / CAO DIANCHU (1876-?)
Folding Fan Collection
Two folding fans, ink and colour / ink on paper
1. Chen Shizeng / Chen Zhi
Osmanthus / Calligraphy in Seal Script
21.8 x 49 cm. (8 ⁵⁄₈ x 19 ¹⁄₄ in.)
Osmanthus inscribed and signed by Chen Shizeng, with one seal
Calligraphy in Seal Script inscribed and signed by Chen Zi, with one seal
Dated autumn, renxu year (1922)

2. Ye Yun (1901-1983) / Cao Dianchu (1876-?)
Playing Go / Calligraphy in Regular Script
20.5 x 47 cm. (8 ¹⁄₈ x 18 ¹⁄₂ in.)
Playing Go entitled, inscribed and signed by Ye Yun, with four seals
Dated spring, yiyou year (1945)
Calligraphy in Regular Script inscribed and signed by Cao Dianchu, with two seals

Singaporean collector Mr. Tan Sin Liou (1922-1992) had familial ties to Fujian, China. His grandfather immigrated to Singapore, where he operated a palm tree business, later also became the owner of the Supreme House in the city’s commercial district. Apart from his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mr. Tan held a keen interest in traditional Chinese culture, as evidenced by his collection of Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and folding fans. Since the 1960s, numerous painters such as Zhao Shao’ang, Yang Shanshen, Guan Shanyue, Li Xiongcai, and Rong Shushi showcased their works in Singapore due to its proximity to China. Mr. Tan, recognized for his generosity and hospitality towards these artists, notably fostered a close relationship with Yang Shanshen.