Wang Zhen (Shanghai, 1867–1938) Lotus flowers

Hanging scroll depicting a glimpse of a stylized pond with large lotus flowers, drawn with methodical, yet vigorous black brushstrokes. Long inscription and artist’s seals.

Themes related to nature are among those most explored by Wang either as a tribute to Zen Buddhism, in which nature plays a central role, or because the painter places himself in the wake of the Shanghai school whose major figure and Zhen’s teacher) Wu Changshuo (1844–1927) stands out precisely for having reinvigorated the traditional painting of flowers and birds.

For a comparative copy see the one recently sold by Bonhams NYC, The Reverend Richard Fabian Collection of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy III, 20 September 2021, lot 37.

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