Details
KANG YOUWEI (1858-1927)
Calligraphy in Cursive Script
Hanging scroll, ink on paper
130.5 x 31.6 cm. (51 38 x 12 12 in.)
Signed, with two seals of the artist
One collector’s seal of Suma Yakichiro (1892-1970)
FURTHER DETAILS
Suma Yakichiro (1892-1970) was a notable Japanese diplomat and art collector who was a close friend of Qi Baishi. As an important diplomat during the Showa era (1926-1989), Suma was acquainted with many Chinese artists while he was posted in China, working in Guangzhou and Nanjing. With his deep understanding of Chinese modern paintings, he was able to establish a comprehensive collection within a single decade. Unlike many other Japanese collectors of the time, Suma focused his collecting on modern Chinese paintings. He immersed himself in researching modern artists and schools, recording the systematic ordering and cataloguing of his expansive collection in his diaries. In 2012 the Kyoto National Museum held a special exhibition entitled Modern Chinese Painting and Japan, which featured numerous works donated from his collection. The exhibition catalogue provided an important record of 183 of Mr Suma’s diaries. Six of seven works included in this sale are still housed in the blue cloth that Mr. Suma produced to preserve his painting and calligraphy collection. Mr. Suma also inscribed detailed provenance records and appraisals onto all the cloth and the back of mounting of his paintings, demonstrating the extreme diligence with which he approached his responsibilities as a collector.
Brought to you by

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Dawn of Spring: Chinese Paintings Online
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report