PU RU (1896-1963)
Seven-character Calligraphic Couplet in Running Script
A pair of scrolls, mounted and framed, ink on paper
Each scroll measures 136.5 x 33.5 cm. (53 ³⁄₄ x 13 ¹⁄₄ in.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dedicated to Jiliang (Hsu Chi Liang, 1901-1993)

NOTE:
Hsu Chi Liang (1901-1993), a native of Shaoxing, Zhejiang, graduated from Zhejiang University and is a famous industrialist and philanthropist in Hong Kong. In his early years, Hsu moved to Guangzhou from Shanghai to engage in the aluminium manufacturing industry. In 1937, he moved to Hong Kong and established a factory to produce aluminium and enamel utensils. His business expanded steadily, and he was elected honorary president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong. Hsu was enthusiastic about public welfare and held many public offices in charitable organizations, such as the Chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the President of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai Association. He founded Jiangsu and Zhejiang Primary Schools, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Public Schools and other schools to promote education. Hsu was one of Chang’s neighbours. On one occasion, Hsu’s wife accompanied the Changs, Pu Ru and his wife to the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island.

Dr. Chang Shiu Sig (1919-2012) graduated from National Sun Yat-sen University in 1945 and was a renowned dermatologist in Hong Kong. He devoted his spare time to poetry writing and indulging in the art of calligraphy and painting. He also befriended literati, poets, and artists, including Lingnan masters such as Zhao Shao’ang, Yang Shanshen and the leading academic Rao Zongyi. Dr. Chang’s wife, Ms. Tung Shui Wah (1928-2020), was one of Pu Ru’s four female disciples in Hong Kong. She was given the name Wenjia by her teacher. As a descendant of the Eight Banners stationed in Guangdong and Guangxi, she had a particularly close relationship with Pu Ru. Whenever Pu Ru and his wife visited Hong Kong in the autumn, they would visit Chang’s residence and enjoy the delicious crabs.

This collection consists of paintings and calligraphy works presented to Dr. Chang by famous Hong Kong and Guangdong artists; works from the Qing dynasties and 20th-century famous artists collected by the couple, and a calligraphy by Pu Ru.