Page 124 - Bonhams Art from the Scholar's Studio, September 16, 2013 NY

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Zhang Xueliang (1901-2001)
Album of painting and calligraphy, 1935
Ink and color on paper, the album with four double leaves of painting,
each leaf with an inscription by the artist, three of the leaves signed
“Hanqing”, each painting with a seal of the artist, the fourth leaf dated Communists in what became known as “the Xi’an Incident”.
“24th year” (1935), followed by a double leaf of calligraphy, also dated
1935, signed “Hanqing” with two seals of the artist, followed by two
colophons in seven leaves of calligraphy.
4 7/8 x 9 3/4in (12.4 x 24.7cm), each double leaf
$3,000 - 5,000
張學良 書畫册 設色或水墨紙本 雙面册頁十二開 一九三五年作
Provenance:
Butterfield’s, June 27, 2000, lot 3496 (partial lot)
122 | Bonhams
Zhang Xueliang was one of Chiang Kai-shek’s most trusted generals, and
the son of the Manchurian warlord Zhang Zuolin (1875-1928). Known
as “Young Marshal” Zhang Xueliang dramatically altered the course of
history in 1936 by meeting with Zhou Enlai and later in the year arresting
Chiang Kai-shek in a successful attempt to suspend hostilities against the
The paintings in this album were created the year prior to that fateful
event. With each leaf, the artist embraces traditional literati aesthetics,
with skillful yet casual brushwork, calligraphic inscriptions inspired
by clerical script, and even the use of an archaic alternate for the
character “Han” in his signature. While relying on the past traditions,
the compositions are daring and bold, and a reference to being inspired
by a photographer named Chen Bolin, add a modern twentieth century
touch. Although paintings by Zhang Xueliang are scarce, this album
demonstrates the creative talents of an important historical figure.