Tang Poem in Clerical Script (Lishu) c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Wang Youdun's "Tang Poem in Clerical Script," a blue fan with gold calligraphy. I'm fascinated by the combination of the poem's content and the fan's function as both art and object. How does the materiality influence our understanding? Curator: The choice of materials – the paper, ink, and bamboo – speaks directly to the cultural context. The fan, a common object, is elevated through calligraphy. Consider the labor involved in creating the paper and preparing the ink. Editor: So, you're saying the value comes from the transformation of everyday materials through skilled labor? Curator: Precisely. The poem's meaning is intertwined with the social and economic factors of its creation. How might the poem's themes relate to the fan's intended user? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't considered how the poem's message might be further enriched by the object's use and status. Curator: Reflecting on materiality adds a deeper layer to the poem itself.