DENG FEN (1894-1964), LI YANSHAN (1898-1961), ZHANG SHAOSHI (1913-1991) AND OTHERS
Flowers, Fruits, Figure and Landscape
Album of eight loose leaves, ink and colour on gold-flecked paper
Each leaf measures 27 x 24 cm. (10 ⁵⁄₈ x 9 ¹⁄₂ in.)
Each leaf inscribed and signed, with a total of fourteen seals of the artists
All dedicated to Heting (Mao Guangsheng)
Dated spring, renchen year (1952)

Artists include: Deng fen (1894-1964), Li Yanshan (1898-1961), Zhang Shaoshi (1913-1991), Feng Kanghou (1901-1983), Zhang Guchu (1891-1968), Li Fenggong (1884-1967), Wang Shangyi (1905-1972), Chen Fang (1897-1962)

NOTE:
The recipient is the renowned poet Mao Guangsheng. Mao Guangsheng (1873–1959), descendant of Mao Pijiang (1611-1693), courtesy name Heting and sobriquet Jiuzhai, was a native of Rugao, Jiangsu. He passed the imperial examination in 1894 (the Jiawu year) and became a distinguished poet, lyricist, and Sinologist in modern China. His life was marked by significant historical upheavals spanning the late Qing dynasty, the Republic of China, and the early People’s Republic of China. In his early years, he actively participated in the reform movement and became acquainted with Liang Qichao. Mao devoted his life to the study of Confucian classics, history, philosophy, and poetry, achieving notable success in the field of ci (lyric poetry), where he held an important academic position in modern Chinese ci studies.

Singaporean collector Mr. Tan Sin Liou (1922-1992) had familial ties to Fujian, China. His grandfather immigrated to Singapore, where he operated a palm tree business, later also became the owner of the Supreme House in the city’s commercial district. Apart from his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mr. Tan held a keen interest in traditional Chinese culture, as evidenced by his collection of Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and folding fans. Since the 1960s, numerous painters such as Zhao Shao’ang, Yang Shanshen, Guan Shanyue, Li Xiongcai, and Rong Shushi showcased their works in Singapore due to its proximity to China. Mr. Tan, recognized for his generosity and hospitality towards these artists, notably fostered a close relationship with Yang Shanshen. A portion of Mr. Tan’s collection (lot 635-637) will be presented in the "Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Paintings" auction on 28 November 2024.