Xugu

Album of Landscapes and Figures, with Calligraphy by Chen Xiuyu (Chinese, 1858-1942), for Liu Songfu (act. 19th century)Xu Gu (Chinese, 1824-1896), Album of Landscapes and Figures, with Calligraphy by Chen Xiuyu (Chinese, 1858-1942), for Liu Songfu (act. 19th century)Rare, landscapes by Xugu are relatively few. All seals by Xugu are very good. Brushwork of leaves with dark birds is freer, bolder than similar works. But overall, not best quality among Xugu’s works; painted informally for a friend; e.g., leaves with green hills and men under trees. Calligraphy written by Mr. Chen at request of Liu Songfu, dedicated to Ayscough and MacNair. (Comments by Zhong Yinlan, 2006)Suggested Amendments to album title by Jacqueline Chao, 2013:Xu Gu (Chinese, 1824-1896), Album of Landscapes and Figures, with Calligraphy by Chen Xiuyu (Chinese, 1858-1942), for Liu Songfu (act. 19th century)Rare, landscapes by Xugu are relatively few. All seals by Xugu are very good. Brushwork of leaves with dark birds is freer, bolder than similar works. But overall, not best quality among Xugu’s works; painted informally for a friend; e.g., leaves with green hills and men under trees. Calligraphy written by Mr. Chen at request of Liu Songfu, dedicated to Ayscough and MacNair. (Comments by Zhong Yinlan, 2006)

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1896

Album of 25 leaves; ink and light color on paper

30.5 × 36.3 cm (12 × 14.3 in)