1934 WANG ZHEN FIGURE OF HAN ZHONGLI PAINTING

拍品描述

Artist: Wang Zhen (1867-1938) FIGURE OF HAN ZHONGLI This lively figure painting depicts Han Zhongli, one of the celebrated Eight Daoist Immortals. Portrayed as a jovial and benevolent figure clothed in loose robes, the immortal carries his characteristic attributes and appears with an animated expression that conveys both humanity and spiritual transcendence. The artist employs fluid brushwork and subtle color washes to model the figure, while the abbreviated setting focuses attention upon the character?s presence and personality.The depiction of the Eight Immortals has long occupied an important place in Chinese art, symbolizing longevity, happiness, and auspicious blessings. Wang Zhen?s interpretation departs from rigid academic conventions, presenting the immortal with spontaneity, warmth, and a distinctly personal character. Ink and color on paper, Yisebiao mount, Vertical Axis Hanging Scroll Painting (Sight): 135cm H x 66cm W Dated: In The First Autumn of JiaXu year (1934) Signed/Seal(s): Signed, with three seals PROVENANCE: Acquired from a prominent collector, representing an important private collections. The collections presented and offered up to auctions from Lot 25 through Lot 136; and additional related documents and or manuscripts from Lot 137 to Lot 228. Wei Tao-Ming (Wei Daoming), (October 28, 1899 - May 18, 1978) was a prominent Chinese diplomat, statesman, and senior official of the Republic of China. Born in Jiangxi Province, he studied law in the United States and became active in the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek. During the Second World War, Wei served as the Republic of China's Ambassador to the United States from 1942 to 1946, playing an important role in strengthening Sino-American relations during the Allied war effort. He later held several key government positions, including Governor of Taiwan Province (1947-1949), Ambassador to Japan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China from 1966 to 1971. Wei remained an influential figure in Chinese diplomacy throughout the mid-twentieth century and was closely involved in the Republic of China's international affairs during a period of major political transition in East Asia. ARTIST BIO: Wang Zhen (1867-1938), courtesy name Yiting, was one of the most influential painters and calligraphers of the late Qing and Republican periods. A native of Zhejiang province, he settled in Shanghai, where he became a leading figure of the Shanghai School and an important patron of the arts. In addition to his artistic achievements, Wang was a successful businessman, devoted Buddhist, and philanthropist.Best known for his expressive paintings of flowers, birds, animals, Buddhist subjects, and auspicious motifs, Wang developed a vigorous and highly personal style characterized by bold brushwork, rich ink tones, and dynamic compositions. Deeply influenced by the work of Ren Bonian while maintaining close friendships with artists such as Wu Changshuo, Wang helped shape the artistic environment of early twentieth-century Shanghai.His paintings often combine literati elegance with popular appeal, incorporating subjects such as peaches, pomegranates, chrysanthemums, cranes, and Buddhist figures, all imbued with symbolic meaning and auspicious wishes. His calligraphy, executed in seal, clerical, and running scripts, further reflects his broad cultural learning and artistic versatility.Today, Wang Zhen occupies an important position in the history of modern Chinese painting. His works are highly regarded for their expressive vitality, technical confidence, and harmonious fusion of traditional literati ideals with the vibrant spirit of the Shanghai School.

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