Chin San Long (Lang Jingshan) (Chinese, 1892-1995). Photograph titled "A Pair of Cranes," depicting two cranes beneath a tree. Silver gelatin print. Hand signed to the mat along the lower right.

Chin San Long is known for his innovative art photography, particularly his signature "composite photography" technique. He was the first Chinese photographer to take artistic nude photos, and also specialized in nature photography.

Provenance: From the collection of William Atkins.

William Atkins (1919-2001) was a pilot for Northwest Airlines, who spent his career flying to Asia. He was an avid photographer who was involved in the Photographic Society of America, through which he developed relationships with photography clubs worldwide. It was through the photographic society in Taiwan that he met Chin San Long, with whom he became close friends. In the 1970s, he arranged an exhibit for Chin San Long's photography in Minnesota.
Sheet; height: 13 5/8 in x width: 10 5/8 in. Matted; height: 20 in x width: 16 in. No visible tears, creases, or losses. No visible signs of restoration under UV light. The photograph is glued on the mat- the verso could not be inspected. To the left of the photograph, there are lines of scratches; however, they are original to the negative. To the lower right margin, there is glue residue. To the lower left corner, there is foxing that does not affect the center photograph. Along the verso of the mat, there is a line crease that does not affect the recto.