Chinese emperors participated in the art of calligraphy as collectors, critics, and artists. For Emperor Gaozong, calligraphy provided aesthetic enjoyment and helped validate his reign. After his father, Emperor Huizong (r. 1100–26), and elder brother, Emperor Qinzong (r. 1126–27), were taken captive by invaders from the north, Gaozong fled south and established a new capital in modern day Hangzhou. Seeking to remove doubts about his right to rule, Gaozong positioned himself as protector of China’s cultural heritage through the patronage and production of works of art. Among the many calligraphic projects he initiated the most intimate were fans inscribed with poems made as gifts for his inner circle, such as this fan, whose quatrain is of Gaozong’s own composition: Downstairs, who is burning nighttime incense? Jade pipes, in sad resentment, sound in the early chill. Facing the wind, a guest sings of an autumn fan. As she bows to the moon, no one sees her evening makeup.
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The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.
Chinese, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), Gaozong [宋]高宗 (1107 - 1187, r. 1127-1162), Quatrain on an Autumn Fan, undated. Round fan mounted as album leaf; ink on silk; 23.3 × 24.6 cm (Calligraphy), 35.3 x 53 cm (sheet), 38.8 x 57 cm (Leaf, folded back). Bequest of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951 (1998-75 a)
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https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/art/collections/objects/36644
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Chinese, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), Gaozong [宋]高宗 (1107 - 1187, r. 1127-1162), Quatrain on an Autumn Fan, undated. Round fan mounted as album leaf; ink on silk; 23.3 × 24.6 cm (Calligraphy), 35.3 x 53 cm (sheet), 38.8 x 57 cm (Leaf, folded back). Bequest of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951 (1998-75 a)
