LIANG QIAN (UNKNOWN ARTIST) / LÜ CANMING (1892-1963)
Flowers, Birds and Insects
A set of five scroll, mounted for framing, ink and colour on paper
1. Liang Qian
Flower and Birds
Four scrolls, mounted for framing, ink and colour on paper
Each measures 29.5 x 34.5 cm. (11 ⁵⁄₈ x 13 ⁵⁄₈ in.)
Inscribed and signed by Liang Qian, with a total of five seals

2. Lü Canming
Lotus and Dragonfly
Scroll, mounted for framing, ink and colour on paper
23 x 28.5 cm. (9 x 11 ¹⁄₄ in.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated autumn, guisi year (1953)
Dedicated to Madame Guoying

The Lü Canming painting was directly acquired from the artist by Madame Kei Siu-ying.

Kei Siu Ying (1922-1999) hailed from a respected family of Cantonese opera artists in Dongguan and became an opera artist herself at a young age. After marrying businessman Leung King Yin, she retired from acting and moved to Hong Kong. In the 1950s, Kei reappeared on a stage tour for three years to raise funds for the devastating Shek Kip Mei fire.

The couple enjoyed collecting Chinese antiques and paintings. Works by Qi Baishi and Shang Xiaoyun are offered in the Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Sale on 29 May (Lots 1185-1186). Qi Baishi’s Balsamine was dedicated to Leung by the artist. Shang Xiaoyun’s Boating at Autumn Night was inscribed by leading Peking opera artists, such as Mei Lanfang and Cheng Yanqiu, which testifies to their friendship with the Peking opera circle. The couple treasured these works for many decades and displayed them in their elegant home. The collection, now inherited by their daughter, is seen in the market for the very first time.