拍品专文
Plum Blossoms is a recurring theme in Xu Beihong's oeuvre. He applied western oil painting brush strokes and techniques for the branches with a naturalistic method and lush green colouring for the blossoms, in the process, revealing the true beauty of nature. Although the methods used in this painting are mainly western, however, they retain the traditional Chinese poetic atmosphere. It is known that Xu's plum blossoms are rich with inner meaning - they reflect his love and loyalty for his country. Therefore, it is in the spirit of patriotism that White Plum Blossoms was conceived.
Created in 1941 and gifted to his friends in Singapore, this painting is perhaps a sentimental parting gift to his good friend - this was Xu's last visit to Singapore as he left his friends in January 1942, on the eve of the fall of Singapore by Japanese invasion. This painting as a symbol of friendship ends on a sad note, for Zhang Nuqi and Zhuang Youzhao, great patriots of their country, were unfortunately killed in their efforts against the Japanese during the invasion.
Created in 1941 and gifted to his friends in Singapore, this painting is perhaps a sentimental parting gift to his good friend - this was Xu's last visit to Singapore as he left his friends in January 1942, on the eve of the fall of Singapore by Japanese invasion. This painting as a symbol of friendship ends on a sad note, for Zhang Nuqi and Zhuang Youzhao, great patriots of their country, were unfortunately killed in their efforts against the Japanese during the invasion.