Chin San Long (Lang Jingshan) (Chinese, 1892-1995). Photograph titled "Peaks Fantasia," depicting a pavilion with craggy mountain peaks rising out of the mist behind it. Silver gelatin print. Inscribed "Peaks and Pavilion" in ink along the verso.

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: 8 7/8 in x width: 16 1/4 in. Matted; height: 15 3/8 in x width: 22 1/8 in.

The emulsion is smooth and without breaks. There are no major tears, rips, losses, or discolorations. No signs of restoration. Along the right and left side of the photo there are some minute areas of creasing. There are some marks along the surface throughout. There are some minute spots in the negative. There is some very light undulation along the left edge. The artwork was previously affixed to a matboard; there is discolored residue throughout the verso that does not affect the recto. The residue is a rough texture and discolored yellow. Some wear to the matboard; there is a large rectangular patch of residue where the photograph was previously attached.