Stanley Chin

Stanley Chin was active between 1935 and 1941, operating exclusively within the scope of the Index of American Design (IAD). The IAD was a Federal Art Project initiative established during the Great Depression under the Works Progress Administration, tasked with creating a comprehensive pictorial survey of American decorative and folk arts from the colonial period through the 19th century.

Chin’s contributions consisted of highly detailed, objective documentations of historical objects, rather than traditional artistic compositions. These detailed renderings were crucial for preserving visual records of craftsmanship that were otherwise vulnerable to decay or loss. The resulting documentation, typically executed in watercolor or graphite, ensures that these early American designs remain accessible in the public domain for research and study.

Nine Index of American Design illustrations by Chin are represented in museum collections, confirming his brief but critical involvement in the project. These works are held by the National Gallery of Art. The documented artifacts reflect the project’s focus on utilitarian objects and popular design, including renderings of the Spice Sifter, the Chopping Knife, and the study of the "Creedmore" Penny Bank. The detailed nature of these documentations makes reproductions, often sought after as high-quality prints, valuable resources for design historians.