Watercolor and ink on paper roll, featuring a scene from poet "Visiting the Absent Hermit", signed and attr. Fu Baoshi (Chinese, 1904-1965), inscribed with 3 artist seals, 43 x 42 cm. Fu Baoshi was a Chinese painter known for both his depictions of landscapes and figures. In his devotion towards painting landscapes, Fu expressed himself with distinctive brushstrokes and splattered marks. During his career, Fu’s subject matter changed from traditionally dressed figures in misty forests to power lines and airports. Born on October 5, 1904 in Xinyu, China, he studied the History of Oriental Art at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts as a young man. Fu’s time in Japan led him to incorporate a number of Japanese elements into his traditional Chinese ink paintings. After returning to China, Fu taught in the Art Department of Central University. During this time, Mao Zedong’s communist regime emphasized the need for the modernization of traditional styles for the masses to understand. Fu began integrating foreign influences into his works, seeking to revive the use of traditional painting techniques. He developed a reputation as a skilled figure painter, and was acclaimed as the leader of the New Chinese Painting Movement, which sought to reform traditional artistic styles in China. The artist died on September 29, 1965 in Nanjing, China. Today, Fu’s works are held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Long Museum in Shanghai, and the Cleveland Museum of Art, among others. PROVENANCE: Property of a gentleman (East Toronto, Canada)

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.