Galloping Horse

XU BEIHONG (1895-1953) Galloping Horse Scroll, mounted and framed, ink on paper 67.5 x 87 cm. (26 5⁄8 x 34 ¼ in) Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist Dedicated to Xinnong Frontispiece inscribed and signed by Wu Dexian (1893-1962), with one seal Dated eleventh month, guisi year (1953) NOTE: This painting was gifted by the artist to the Singaporean collector Ho Hinlong, a compatriot who campaigned to raise funds during the Second World War. During Xu Beihong’s sojourns in Singapore between 1939 and 1942, the artist frequented Ho’s residence and dedicated this painting to Ho as a token of friendship and gratitude. Since Ho passed away in 1956, the painting has been in the family’s possession. In 1997, the painting was on loan to the National Heritage Board in Singapore to be displayed in public exhibitions. It was returned to the family in February 2014. Wu Dexian (1893-1962) was a native of Fujian and one of the first generation calligraphers in Singapore. A graduate of Beijing Normal University in 1920, Wu took up teaching positions at various academies in Shanghai, Xiamen and Zhao’an. In 1939, he immigrated to Singapore and taught at various academies there. During the Japanese occupation, he stayed in Malacca, making a living by farming and seal-carving.