Hanging scroll, ink and colours on paper
Entitled and inscribed, signatures and seals of the artists
38 1/8. x 18 3/4. in. (97 x 47.6 cm.)
8 3/8. x 18 3/4. in. (21.3 x 47.6 cm.)


Note;

Zhao Shiguang's inscription on the the painting details members of the New Territories School Sports Association who commissioned the painting and calligraphy as a parting gift to Crozier in 1961.

The text of a letter detailing the commissioning and dedication of the painting to Crozier reads as follows:

新界學界體育協進會
New Territories School Sports Association

C/O Yuen Long Public School
Yuen along N.T.
Tel: 01 357
PATRON
The Director of Education
The Hon D.J.S. Crozier C.M.G.

Hong Kong, 6th April, 1961.

Dear Dr. Crozier,

For your interest I beg to send you some notes on the scroll with translations of the inscriptions on it.

Yours respectfully,

Chan Jim Fui
(CHAN Jim Fui)

“A Picture of the Nine Gold Fishes”

Drawn by: Mr. CHIU Sai Kwong 趙世光
Inscribed by: Mr. CHIU Siu Nong 趙少昂

The scroll is surmounted by two Chinese characters “九如” signifying the “Nine Similarities”.

The Chinese characters for “Fish” (魚) and “Similarities” (如) are identical in pronunciation. The “Nine Similarities” were first mentioned in the ode of “Tin Bo” (天保) in the “Chronicle of Odes” (詩經). They signify the heavenly benedictions pronounced by the people upon the King who ruled the country well and was beloved by all. However, these “Nine Similarities” do not apply exclusively to the ruler but to people of all classes alike. They stand for the blessings which we pray God to give to anyone whom we respect and love dearly.
The first five “Similarities” suggest our respected ones will receive blessings which are as high or as big as:

(1) a mountain
(2) a great mound
(3) a hill
(4) a great stretch of land
(5) a rising spring

The remaining four “Similarities” hint at the wishes that our respected ones will receive increasing and endless blessings which are like

(6) the new moon
(7) the rising sun
(8) the great mountain Nam Shan (南山) which is a symbol of longevity and (9) the evergreen “pine” and “cypress” which gain in impressiveness with the passing of years.

Given to Dr. D.J.S. Crozier C.M.G. (1908-1976), Director of Education for Hong Kong 1951-1961 by the New Territories School Sports Association, 6 April 1961, and then by descent to the present owner.

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.