Scholar under Plantain Tree

The present painting is dedicated to the esteemed acupuncturist and Peking opera performer, Dr Mifoo Hsu (1903-1978). Hailing from Zhejiang, Dr Hsu studied under the tutelage of the renowned opera performer Meng Xiaodong in Hong Kong. Zhang Daqian, also a Peking opera enthusiast, likely became acquainted with Dr Hsu through Meng’s introduction. Upon relocating to the United States in the 1970s, Dr Hsu taught acupuncture at the University of Washington Medical Center while continuing to participate in Peking opera performances.