Page 297 - Christie's Fine Chinese Paintings Hong Kong Dec. 1 2015

LOT 1461
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE SINGAPOREAN COLLECTOR

1461

1461 1893-1962 1956 1939-
1953 2014
XU BEIHONG (1895-1953)
1942 1939
Galloping Horse 1997

Scroll, mounted and framed, ink on paper 2
67.5 x 88 cm. (26 ¬ x 34 ¬ in.) 1893-1962
Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist
Dedicated to Xinnong 1920
Frontispiece inscribed and signed by Wu Dexian (1893-1962), with one seal
Dated eleventh month, guisi year (1953)

NOTE:

This painting was gifted by the artist to the Singaporean collector Ho Hinlong, a compatriot
who campaigned to raise funds during the Second World War. During Xu Beihong’s
sojourns in Singapore between 1939 and 1942, the artist frequented Ho’s residence and
dedicated this painting to Ho as a token of friendship and gratitude. Since Ho passed away
in 1956, the painting has been in the family’s possession. In 1997, the painting was on loan
to the National Heritage Board in Singapore to be displayed in public exhibitions. It was
returned to the family in February 2014.
Wu Dexian (1893-1962) was a native of Fujian and one of the first generation calligraphers
in Singapore. A graduate of Beijing Normal University in 1920, Wu took up teaching
positions at various academies in Shanghai, Xiamen and Zhao’an. In 1939, he immigrated to
Singapore and taught at various academies there. During the Japanese occupation, he stayed
in Malacca, making a living by farming and seal-carving.

HK$2,000,000-3,000,000 US$260,000-390,000

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