This expertly executed original oil painting of Four Chinese Scholars originates in Hong Kong late 1940s or early 1950s. The boys are obviusly from a notable family. The painting is unusual in that it was painted at that time by a Chinese artist in the European style on stretched canvas. However the signature is not clear - W H Chau? N W Chen?
The frame is also noteworthy. It is wood with Gold Leaf and heavily embossed fruits: persimmons, lychees, pomegranetes, pineapples. Size 900 x 700cm
Does anyone have any idea who the artist might be?
Suziepie
Date picture taken
24 Feb 2012
Comments
four scholars oil
Just wanted to let the person know it is W.H. Chen as the artist signature.
Best Regards
FOUR SCHOLARS OIL
Hello Deidre
Thank you!
But can you tell me more - such as who was W H Chen? What other paintings did he do? When was he painting? And do you know who the boys in the painting are?
I would be very interested - it is an excellent painting of this style - with a lot of meaning, in a poignant moment.
Kind regards,
Suziepie
Possibly the Singaporean
Possibly the Singaporean artist, Chen Wen Hsi?
Regards, David
FOUR CHINESE SCHOLARS Oil Painting
Hi David -
Thank you for the suggestion - Chen Wen Hsi -I have googled the link and see he was in HK in 1949 - so that fits, and part of his style was Western oil painting, and figures. So it is possible. I would need to see his signature - and samples of similar works. I will try to follow this trail. Thank you.
I just know this painting had a very special significance - it was not without good reason it was given to a high ranking police officer (Duncan MacPherson) in HK after WWII - some time during the 1940s-50s. If only I'd asked !!
Kind regards,
Suziepie