This exquisite oriental fan was hand painted with sumi ink and is framed with a beautifully carved handle.  Measures 13" long when folded and is 24" wide when extended.

Gan was born in Shanghai, China.  He attended the M.A. program of art history at the Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts, Xi'an, China and received a M.A. from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and a Ph.D. from Ohio University, Athens, OH.  He is a professor of art history at Maine College of Art and participates in a visiting professor academic program in Shanghai.

Chinese calligraphy and ink painting are brushed expressions with the emphasis on the embodiment of the aesthetic idea and personal emotion of the artists.  Starting from the 5th century, learning from the masters by copying and analyzing their artwork has been a traditional method for Chinese to learn calligraphy and painting.  This method is also helpful for the non-Chinese learners to understand the aesthetic value of the lines and ink marks in Chinese calligraphy and ink painting.  In addition to Chinese art history, Gan also teaches a course of Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting at Maine College of Art.  The bamboo is one of the most popular subjects found in traditional Chinese painting.  The noble bamboo is a symbol of old age and modesty.  Bamboo grows in dense groves and symbolizes resilience and integrity because it bends in the strong wind but returns to its upright position.