Folding Fan Collection

SHEN SHIJIA (1906-2001)
Folding Fan Collection
Two folding fans, ink and colour / ink on gold-flecked paper / paper
1. Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty / Calligraphy
18.5 x 41 cm. (7 ¹⁄₄ x 16 ¹⁄₈ in.)
Inscribed and signed, with a total of nine seals of the artist
Dated autumn, seventh month, yiwei year (1955)
Dedicated to Jingpan

2. Fish Watching / Calligraphy
19 x 42.5 cm. (7 ¹⁄₂ x 16 ³⁄₄ in.)
Fish Watching entitled, inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist
Dated third month, gengyin year (1950)
Calligrphay inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated summer, gengyin year (1950)

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.