CHEN ZHIFO (1895-1963)

MANDARIN DUCKS IN A LOTUS POND

A fine Chinese scroll painting, ink and colour on paper, the title-slip reads: Chen Zhifo Hua Niao, with an attached paper note which reads: Field Marshal Wavell kindly accepted from He Yingqin, one of the senior generals of the Kuomintang, dated 1943, signed Xue Weng, with two artist's seals, one reads Xue Weng, and the other reads, xin ji shi fo, the latter seal carved by Fu Baoshi, 108cm x 59.5cm.

Provenance: Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell, GCB, GCSI, GCIE, CMG, MC, KStJ, PC, 1883-1950, and thence by descent.

He Yingqin (1890-1987), was a politician and one of the most senior generals of the National Revolutionary Army and achieved decisive victories during the civil conflicts and the Sino-Japanese War. He served as Minister of Defence and the President of the Executive Yuan in the Kuomintang Government (KMT) after the Second Sino-Japanese War. He worked closely with Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Republic of China, for more than two decades.