Re-View: S228-230 (Asian rotation: 7) Art of the Fan: China, Korea, Japan

The fan evolved in East Asia from a functional cooling device to a symbol of high status and an art form in its own right. China’s circular fans had been introduced to Korea and Japan by the 6th century. By the Tang dynasty (618–907), the typical fan had a painting on one side and a poem in elegant calligraphy on the other. The lunette-shaped folding fan appears to have been invented in Japan in the 8th century, and then spread to Korea and to China. This installation features painted fans, works depicting fans, and paintings in fan shapes, inviting the viewer to appreciate this very distinctive subject in East Asian art. Organized by Robert D. Mowry, Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art; and Melissa A. Moy, Cunningham Assistant Curator of Asian Art, both in the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, Harvard Art Museums.