Gong Juewu,the originator of Gong Fan,was born in the countryside near Zigong City of Sichuan Province.He was clever as a
child and favored to weave fans.In 1890,his woven silk and bamboo circular fans won the first prize at the Treasure Competition and were chosen as articles for the imperial concubines in the royal palace.In 1919,Gong Juewu died of a disease and his son Gong Yuzhang carried on his skill and attained a new level through constant efforts.The first son Gong Changrong and the sceond son Gong Yuwen of Gong Yuzhang began to learn the skill from their father at the age of ten.As they grew up,they became quite skilled at weaving all kinds of circular fans,including Zhang Daqian's painting of the figures of ladies,Zhen Banqiao's painting bamboos and Wen Tianxiang's calligraphy.Their
handicrafts were famous both at home and abroad and they both were known as "Two Outstanding Figures of Gong Fan".Nowadays,the fourth
generation of Gong fan is becoming mature and has made many contributions.What is gratifying is that the fifth generation is determined to create better handicrafts than their forefathers.