Page 71 - Christie's Fine Chinese Paintings Hong Kong Dec. 1 2015

FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF HUANG MENGGUI AND HUANG MANSHI

Huang Manshi (1890-1963) and his younger brother, Huang their collection was passed to family as well as to several prominent
Menggui (1885-1965), were two influential people in Xu Beihong’s collectors in Southeast Asia. Christie’s was honored to have auctioned
life, particularly in Southeast Asia where Xu Beihong created the Important Collection of Paintings from the Huang Family on
many iconic paintings. As General Manager of Nanyang Brothers 28 May 2007 (Lots 1121-1155, Fine Chinese Modern Paintings,
Tobacco, Huang Manshi became acquainted with many powerful Christie’s Hong Kong), as well as a distinguished painting by Xu
figures through his work. He spoke a number of languages and Beihong during our 2014 autumn sale (Lot 1639).
loved to collect works of calligraphy and antiques. Huang Manshi
invited Xu Beihong to Singapore and introduced him to many
influential Chinese tycoons in Southeast Asia, such as Chen Jiageng.
Upon Huang Menggui’s letter of invitation, Xu Beihong came to
Singapore from Paris in the autumn of 1925, one of the many trips
he would take to the region which solidified his status as an artist.

Huang Menggui reserved a small living room for Xu Beihong as a
studio at his own house where he also provided accommodation for
Xu during his stay in Singapore. It was in Huang’s house that Xu
Beihong’s numerous ink paintings of fine horses and other important
works were born. With the help of Huang Menggui, Xu Beihong
became an important icon in Asian art history. Xu saw the Huang
brothers as “the most intimate friends in life”, calling them “big
brother” and “second brother” respectively. After the brothers’ deaths,

1188

Miss Wong Yung East and West 40 East 49th Street New York NY. U.S.A.

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