ZHAO SHAO'ANG (1905-1998)

Zhao Shao’ang’s Roaring Tiger is a masterpiece painted by the artist in the 1930s for the renowned collector Liang Huiwu. He sought inspiration from the Japanese painting tradition while employing the Chinese ink technique to depict the fierce tiger, showing its great strength and beauty. A native of Guangdong province, Liang was a renowned collector known for his superb paintings from the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In 1941, in an exhibition co-hosted by the Hong Kong China Culture Association and the British Council, Liang provided many of his treasured paintings on loan. The frontispiece of the painting is inscribed by Liang Luancang, a Japanese-trained educator who studied under Kang Youwei. Artists Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng and Zhao Shao’ang all studied calligraphy under him.
A 15th-16th century work Water Moon Guanyin (Lot 803) from the same collector will be offered in the Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy on 29 November 2021.