Chin San Long (Lang Jingshan) (Chinese, 1892-1995). Photograph depicting a single crane under a tree with towering cloudy mountains rising in the background. Silver gelatin print. Hand signed to the backing 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.
Unframed; height: 14 1/4 in x width: 10 in. Matted; height: 20 in x width: 16 in. No visible tears, creases, or losses. No visible sign of restoration under UV light. The photograph is affixed to the mat. There is very light discoloration along the margins as shown in the listing image. The emulsion appears to be smooth and great. Along the negative spaces, there are lines that appear to be surface scratches; however, given that the emulsion is smooth and does not break, it seems reasonable to discern that the lines are not scratches but original to the photo-developing process. To the center of the right margin, there is an area with light brown mark that does not affect the center photograph. Along the verso of the mat, there is a minute grey accretion adhered to the upper right margin.