Bidspirit auction | The Heart Sutra Album,by Wu

The Heart Sutra Album,by Wu Hufan - Wu Hufan (1894–1968), originally named Wan, with courtesy name Dongzhuang, art names Qian'an and Yiyan, and studio name Meijing Shuwu, was a native of Wu County (now Suzhou), Jiangsu Province. Born into a family of renowned painters and calligraphers, he was the grandson of Wu Dacheng. Wu Hufan was a pivotal figure in 20th-century Chinese painting and calligraphy, excelling in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, with particular mastery in painting and connoisseurship. His painting style drew from the traditions of the Song and Yuan dynasties while incorporating strengths from Ming and Qing masters. His landscape paintings are characterized by meticulous brushwork and exquisite coloration, blending classical foundations with a distinct personal style. He is celebrated as a grand synthesizer of the Southern School of painting, with masterpieces such as Wonderful Peaks Piercing the Clouds and Snow Over Dongguan and Pu showcasing a profound, majestic, yet elegantly refined charm. In calligraphy, Wu integrated styles from masters like Mi Fu and Zhao Mengfu, achieving a vigorous and free-spirited elegance that complemented his painting style. He was also a distinguished connoisseur of Chinese art, renowned for his expertise in authenticating ancient paintings. His extensive collection included treasures such as the Remaining Mountain segment of Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains. His contributions to the preservation and study of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy were immense. Additionally, Wu Hufan was dedicated to nurturing younger artists, mentoring numerous students and exerting a lasting influence on the art world. He was one of the leading figures of the Shanghai School during the Republican period.