Chin San Long (Lang Jingshan) (Chinese, 1892-1995). Photograph titled "Spring Fantasia," executed in 1945, depicting a boat floating through mist behind the dramatic silhouette of branches. Silver gelatin print. Signed in ink 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: 13 1/2 in x width: 10 1/8 in. Matted; height: 20 in x width: 16 in. The item is in generally good condition with no visible tears, creases, or losses. The photograph is affixed the mat. The emulsion appears to be smooth. To the lower right quadrant, there are two minute dents to the surface. No visible sign of restoration when inspected under UV light. Scattered areas with light brown accretions to the mat, as shown in the listing image. The verso of the photograph could not be inspected due to the nature of how the sheet is affixed to the mat.