1862 XU JIYU FOUR GENTLEMEN PAINTING

拍品描述

Artist: Xu Jiyu (1795-1873) Pine, Chrysanthemums, and Orchids The present work depicts an elegant arrangement of pine branches, chrysanthemums, orchids, and bamboo rendered with expressive brushwork and restrained color. The composition combines the traditional ?Four Gentlemen? aesthetic with the enduring symbolism of the pine tree, representing longevity, integrity, and resilience.Executed with confident ink strokes and subtle color accents, the work demonstrates the artist?s command of both calligraphy and painting. The vigorous pine branches contrast with the delicately rendered orchids and chrysanthemums, creating a harmonious balance between strength and refinement. The accompanying inscriptions and colophons further enhance the scholarly character of the composition. Ink and color on paper, Yisebiao mount, Vertical Axis hanging Scroll Painting (Sight): 133cm H x 33cm W Dated: In The RenWu year (1942) 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: Xu Jiyu (1795-1873), courtesy name Songgui and art name Songkan, was a prominent Qing dynasty scholar-official, geographer, and statesman. A native of Wutai, Shanxi province, he achieved the jinshi degree in 1826 and subsequently served in a number of important governmental positions, including Governor of Fujian and Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang.Xu is best remembered for his pioneering geographical work Yinghuan Zhil?e (A Short Account of the Maritime Circuit), published in 1849. Drawing upon Western sources and missionary accounts, the book introduced Chinese readers to contemporary knowledge of Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world, making it one of the earliest modern geographical studies produced in Qing China. His writings reflected an awareness of global affairs during a period of increasing contact between China and the West.In addition to his scholarly accomplishments, Xu Jiyu was respected for his administrative ability and reform-minded outlook. His interest in foreign geography and international affairs distinguished him from many of his contemporaries and contributed to the gradual introduction of Western knowledge into late Qing intellectual circles. Calligraphic works bearing his name are highly valued for their historical significance, particularly those connected with his scholarly and official career.

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