Zheng Banqiao (鄭板橋; 1693-1765) Chinese traditional Ink calligraphy on paper, laid to silk, hanging scroll. Signed and dated, in the Bingzi year (ca. 1756).
Bold lines marked in fluid strokes rest upon the papers creme surface, by Zheng Banqiao (鄭板橋; 1693-1765). A Chinese painter from Jiangsu. Impoverished at birth, Zheng overcame his situation in the exam system to become a magistrate at Shandong. Eventually Zheng become the official calligrapher and painter for emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty. An exquisite example of Tao Shu calligraphy form. Tsao Shu calligraphers simplify the left side of each character and give more space and emphasis to the right side. Tsau Shu calligraphers write swiftly and use many sudden turns and dramatic movements. This style of characters looks more like abstract painting than writing. The writing is attached to a protective scroll and a several official red seals are noted on the left edge.


Dimensions: Scroll Height: 91 3/8" Width: 37 3/4" Painting Height: 53 1/4" Width: 26 1/2"

PROVENANCE:
From the heirloom collections of Wu Guozhen (吳國楨; October 21, 1903-June 6, 1984) was a Chinese political figure and historian, government official who served as mayor of Hankow (1932-1938), mayor of Chung-king (1939-1941), political vice minister of foreign affairs (1943-45), mayor of Shanghai (1946-1948), and governor of Taiwan (1950-1952) and the former Chairman of Taiwan Provincial Government. He resigned in 1953 and went to the United States.

K.C. Wu lived in the United States where he served as professor of Chinese history at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. During his time in the United States, he wrote various works, including a detailed analysis on Chinese culture in the context of mythology and early history in his book The Chinese Heritage.

Wu is remembered mainly for his vital role in the formation of a liberal modern Taiwan and his anti-communist beliefs typical of a member of Kuomintang, but he is also remembered for his brave anti-Kuomintang rhetoric and turbulent disagreements with the more Russian-styled second President of Taiwan.

The Collections of Wu Guozhen (吳國楨) presented and offered up to auctions
ON DAY-1: from Lot-97 through Lot-127, continued from Lot-219 through Lot-255.
ON DAY-2: from Lot-354 through Lot-377, continued from Lot-451 through Lot-480.


LOT NOTES:
Zheng Xie (鄭燮; 1693-1765), commonly known as Zheng Banqiao (鄭板橋) was a Chinese painter from Jiangsu. He began life in poverty but rose in the exam system to become a magistrate at Shandong. However, after 12 years, he became critical of the life of an official as he refused to ingratiate himself with senior officials. When he was reportedly criticized for building a shelter for the poor, he resigned. After that, he expressed himself in art and became one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou. He was noted for his drawing of orchids, bamboo, and stones. In 1748 he briefly resumed an official career as official calligrapher and painter for the Qianlong Emperor.
Zheng was also a calligrapher who created a new calligraphy style influenced by his orchid drawings. Added to this, he had an interest in literature and poetry. He preferred to write about ordinary people in a natural style.

Natural imperfection on the medium (paper or silk), regardless from any major damages; includes light blooms, discoloration and minor fading. Consider normal due to the ages.

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