Hand Fan with Romantic Poem and Red Tassel – 1

This hand fan is a tribute to Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess (洛神赋), one of the most celebrated literary works of ancient China. The hand fan features my faithful reproduction of a carefully hand-copied excerpt from Luo Shen Fu Shi San Hang (洛神赋十三行), a renowned calligraphy piece by Wang Xianzhi (344–386 CE), a master calligrapher of the Eastern Jin dynasty, written in my own brushwork.

The Meaning and Origin of the Words

The inscription on the hand fan is from Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess (洛神赋) , which is one of the most celebrated works of classical Chinese literature, written by the poet Cao Zhi (曹植, 192–232 CE) during the Three Kingdoms period. This piece is a stunning example of fu (赋), a lyrical form of prose known for its vivid imagery and expressive storytelling. Inspired by both personal emotions and mythological themes, Cao Zhi crafted a poetic vision of love, beauty, and longing, all woven into an encounter with a celestial goddess.

The poem tells the story of a fleeting yet profound meeting between a mortal man and Luo Shen (洛神), the goddess of the Luo River. According to legend, as the poet stood by the riverbank, mesmerized by the landscape, a vision of the goddess appeared before him. She was radiant and otherworldly, with flowing robes as delicate as drifting clouds, a face as luminous as the autumn moon, and movements as graceful as a swan gliding across the water. The narrator is instantly captivated, overcome with admiration and longing. Yet despite the undeniable connection between them, their worlds remain separate—she belongs to the divine realm, and he to the mortal one.

This unbridgeable divide turns their meeting into a moment of bittersweet yearning. Just as quickly as she appeared, Luo Shen is carried away by the winds, vanishing into the misty horizon, leaving the poet standing alone by the river. His heart is filled with both reverence and sorrow, for he has glimpsed something truly extraordinary, only to lose it just as swiftly. The poem conveys a deep sense of melancholy, desire, and the fleeting nature of beauty, themes that resonate far beyond its historical context.

More than just a romantic fantasy, Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess is often interpreted as a reflection of Cao Zhi’s own life. As the son of the powerful warlord Cao Cao, he was immensely talented but politically sidelined by his older brother, Cao Pi, who became the emperor. The goddess in the poem may symbolize not only unattainable love but also lost ambitions and unfulfilled dreams—an artistic expression of longing for something forever beyond reach.

Throughout history, this masterpiece has inspired generations of artists, poets, and calligraphers. The famous Eastern Jin Dynasty calligrapher Wang Xianzhi (王献之) transcribed an excerpt in a now-famous work, Luo Shen Fu Shi San Hang (洛神赋十三行), celebrated for its elegant and fluid script. The poem has also been depicted in classical Chinese paintings, including the renowned “Nymph of the Luo River” (洛神图) by Gu Kaizhi (顾恺之), which visually captures the ethereal beauty described in the text.

Today, Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess continues to captivate readers with its exquisite descriptions and timeless emotions. Whether seen as a love story, a reflection of political struggles, or a meditation on the transient nature of beauty, it remains one of the most moving and influential works in Chinese literary history. Its legacy lives on not only in written form but also through art, calligraphy, and cultural appreciation across the centuries.

Why Choose this Hand Fan?

This elegant hand fan is made of high-quality paper, providing a smooth canvas for the expressive brushstrokes. The calligraphy is hand-copied in traditional ink, accompanied by the artist’s personal seal and a decorative leisure seal (xián zhāng, 闲章), adding authenticity and artistic depth. A delicate golden tassel completes the design, enhancing its gracefulness.

Whether displayed as an art piece, used as a cultural accessory, or given as a unique gift, this hand fan carries the spirit of Chinese literary and artistic heritage. It is ideal for collectors, calligraphy enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the beauty of classical Chinese poetry.

Bring home the elegance of Chinese calligraphy and poetry with this one-of-a-kind hand fan!