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Lot Essay
In 1926, Lin Fengmian completed his studies in France and returned to China, where next year he became the headmaster of the National Art Academy in Hangzhou. Unfortunately, he chose to resign from this post due to educational policy and school relocation problems shortly after the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War. In 1939, he left Shanghai and passed through Hong Kong, Haikou, Vietnam and Kunming to reach his destination at Chongqing, where he semi-retired to focus on the creation of artwork.
During his time in Hong Kong, Lin Fengmian stayed at Chan Mouching's (Chen Muqing) home in Yuen Long (New Territories). Chan Mouching initially worked in Indonesia and returned to Hong Kong after he retired. Since both were of Hakka origin, they became good friends and Chan invited Lin to use his residence to paint, in preparation of the 1940 art exhibition at the University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong.
Birds is a treasured gift from Lin Fengmian to Chan Mouching, depicting two birds on a branch in the morning, a scene likely depicted from Lin's views of nature. The bird on the lower branch enthusiastically spreads its wings and prepares to take flight, while the other stares on, as if silently encouraging its companion. Lin's layering of different shades of grey to compose this piece is unique in style and rare for its large size.
During his time in Hong Kong, Lin Fengmian stayed at Chan Mouching's (Chen Muqing) home in Yuen Long (New Territories). Chan Mouching initially worked in Indonesia and returned to Hong Kong after he retired. Since both were of Hakka origin, they became good friends and Chan invited Lin to use his residence to paint, in preparation of the 1940 art exhibition at the University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong.
Birds is a treasured gift from Lin Fengmian to Chan Mouching, depicting two birds on a branch in the morning, a scene likely depicted from Lin's views of nature. The bird on the lower branch enthusiastically spreads its wings and prepares to take flight, while the other stares on, as if silently encouraging its companion. Lin's layering of different shades of grey to compose this piece is unique in style and rare for its large size.