Fan presented by Henry Puyi, the last Emperor of China, to his tutor Sir Reginald Johnston

This material is held atSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Archives, University of London

  • Reference
    • GB 102 MS 381195
  • Dates of Creation
    • c1930
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • Chinese
  • Physical Description
    • Fan's dimensions when opened: 29cms by 45cms

Scope and Content

Black and gold paper fan bearing an inscription of 1930 and the Imperial Seal of Xuantong (1909-1912).

One side of the fan contains two poems from the Han dynasty (207BCE-220CE): xing xing chong xing xing & bu chu cheng dong men. Both poems are about departure and separation and were transcribed by the Emperor himself.

The other side of the fan depicts a golden image of a settlement.

Access Information

Please consult with an Archivist before ordering this item

Restrictions Apply

Acquisition Information

Transferred to SOAS Library from the Percival David Foundation in February 2009.

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance

Custodial History

The fan was presented to Johnston by Emperor Puyi on 15 September 1930 at Tienstin. Given to the Percival David Foundation by Mrs Elisabeth Sparsholt.

Geographical Names

China, Asia