One side of the fan guard was engraved with a couplet that alluded to one indulging in scholastic activities while immersing in nature's beauty. It was signed off by Shen Wei (1862–1945), a prominent calligrapher and politician who studied in Han Lin Academy. The other side of the fan guard depicts a plum tree with Wang Shizi (1885–1950) signing off underneath. He might have carved Shen Wei’s poem too.The fan belonged to Wong Ming Pak who had a deep appreciation for Chinese calligraphy. He met some visiting Chinese luminaries who left him autographed fans.A sign of scholarly, learned disposition, the folding fan was a classic men’s fashion accessory in the gentry circle such that men were only considered properly dressed when seen with one. They were often personalised with paintings, poetry and calligraphy and exchanged as gifts among the literati as tokens of friendship. It was common for painters and calligraphers to compose their artwork collaboratively on the same fan.The fan leaves may be removed from its frame and remounted flat for display as an artwork. Similarly, the fan guards are admired for its material and engravings and can be matched with new fan leaves.
