HUANG YONGYU (1924-2023)

One of the most important Chinese cartoonists of the twentieth century, Hua Junwu (1915-2010) stands out for his biting social commentary and humorous illustrations that have been widely published and loved. Huang Yongyu dedicated this painting to his good friend’s newborn granddaughter. In the endearing inscription, Huang recounts the events leading up to the baby girl’s birth, welcoming her to a new world where “patriarchal traditions preferring boys to girls are nonextant.” The unusually intimate nature of the message, written in the artist’s distinctive witty prose, attests to the close friendship between Huang Yongyu and Hua Junwu. The painting has been cherished by the Hua family since then.