Wang Zhen (Shanghai, 1867–1938) Liu Haichan and the three-legged toad

Vertical scroll depicting the famed Taoist immortal, a legendary three-legged toad, which, according to tradition, is a harbinger of future wealth.

Artist’s inscription and seals. 

Wang Zhen was born in 1867 in Wuxing in China, but he lived most of his life in Shanghai, where he became an accomplished businessman, as well as a painter and calligrapher. He is best known for his paintings of birds, flowers and Buddhist figures.

His style was strongly influenced by his teacher Wu Changshuo (1844–1927), a renowned painter of the Shanghai school, famous For his novel approach to painting flowers and birds.

Today Wang Zhen’s works are preserved in major international museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in British Columbia.

Provenance: Purchased by the current owner in Harold Wong’s gallery, Hong Kong