XU SHICHANG (1855-1939)
Pavilion in Autumn Forest
Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper
109.5 x 56.7 cm. (43 ¹⁄₈ x 22 ³⁄₈ in.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated fourth month, guihai year (1923)

NOTE:
Xu Shichang, known as Buwu, Ju Ren, Shui Zhu Cun Ren, and Tao Zhai, was bron in Weihui, Henan Province. He served as a co-chairman of Prince Qing’s Cabinet and the second President of the Republic of China. Xu has a deep knowledge of Chinese literature, poetry, calligraphy and painting. He has also exhibited his works in Chinese, Japanese and foreign exhibition, and was a collector of ancient books.

China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd., 1994 Spring Auction – Chinese Paintings, 27 March 1994, Lot 51.

Dr Kuo is a renowned ophthalmologist in Taiwan. He was born into a family of doctors in Chiayi, Taiwan. Dr Kuo also graduated from the Taipei Medical College and served as the Chief of Ophthalmology at the Taipei Renai Hospital. His father studied Chinese and specialised in calligraphy, influencing Kuo to take an interest in Chinese culture, history and art. While practising medicine, Kuo often learned at the National Palace Museum in Taipei and began collecting paintings and calligraphy by well-known artists and celebrities and ancient artefacts. Kuo managed to build an extensive private collection, which works from it was later passed down through the family.