Qian Songyan (Ch'ien Sung-yen) 1898-1985. An artist of the Nanjing Academy of Painting acknowledged in par with the other famous painter of the academy, Fu Baoshi. He was active in depicting revolutionary fervour and patriotic themes during the Cultural Revolution in China. He is one of eighteen national artists commissioned to paint for the Memorial Hall of Mao Tse Tung in Beijing.

He learned to paint from his grandfather and after the revolution in 1911 went to Wuxi to study bird and flower painting with Hu Dinglu, a follower of 18th century Hua Yan. Later, he was influenced by the landscape of the masters Shen Zhou, Kun Can and Dao Ji. His works are included in many books published both in China and the West.

This rare panting was done in the earlier period of the artist circa 1920s. The theme is an allegory to the Yin and Yang. The broad brush strokes coupled with finger techniques exudes a powerful yet restful feeling.

Included in the sale of the painting is the book "Twentieth Century Chinese Painting" by Mayching Kao that elucidates further the works of Qian Songyan. Included also are other research materials about the artist. Arts of Asia magazine Nov/Dec 1987 issue. Christie's and Sotheby's auction catalogues.

Detailed pictures [1] [2]

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Chinese Paintings
(CP1) Pheasants on Peach
(CP2) Fairy on a Unicorn
(CP3) Crabs, 4 Panels
(CP4) Boy on Water Buffalo
(CP5) Ladies under Peach
(CP6) Chinese Landscape
(CP7) Sparrows on Plum
(CP8) Old Mand & Attendant
(CP9) Poet on a Journey
(CP10) Ancestral Portrait
(CP11) Family Outing
(CP12) Portrait of a Gentleman (CP13) Offerings to the Sage

Japanese Paintings
(JP1) Japanese Lady
(JP2) Landscape and Pagoda
(JP3) Horseman
(JP4) Musical Procession
(JP5) Battle Scene
(JP6) Fighting on Foot
(JP7) Royal Procession
(JP8) Procession of Colors
(JP9) Procession of Palaquins
(JP10) Procession of Carriages
(JP11) Royal Palace