Lot 2520: DENG FEN (1894-1964)

DENG FEN (1894-1964)
Music Under the Willows
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated winter, xinmao year (1951)
Dedicated to Zhaozhong
Colophon inscribed on the mounting by Wu Zhaozhong with two seals
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
68.5 x 30.5 cm. (27 x 12 in.)
20th Century
1

The Collection of Mr. Wu Zhaozhong

Native of Guangdong and born in Macau, Wu Zhaozhong (1887-1967) was a well-known boxer of the White Crane sect. From humble beginnings, Wu apprenticed under famous boxer Huang Linkai, before heading to Jiangxi to learn from White Crane sect's grandmaster Zhu Ziyao, returning to Macau ten years later. He set up a fighting school with Taichi master Gu Ruzhang in Guangzhou in the 20's teaching the White Crane method of fighting. Wu settled in Hong Kong in the 1930's and continued to promote the White Crane sect. As well as being known as a prominent fighter, Wu also became competent in the practice of Chinese medicine, establishing his practice in Hong Kong and acting as director general for the Hong Kong Association of Chinese Medicine Practitioners. Of noble character, Wu was proficient in calligraphy particularly cursive script, and was interested in poetry and literature, with publications regardly the philosophies behind boxing and sword fighting. Wu compiled books and published several treatises on the White Crane sect. These two works come from Wu's collection and are illustrative of Wu's fondness for Chinese art and culture.