Lion and Snake

XU BEIHONG (1895-1953) Lion and Snake Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper 92 x 89 cm. (36 ¼ x 35 in.) Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist Dated winter, twenty-seventh year (of the Republic, 1938) Dedicated to Shaolu (Lau Siului) Note: The recipient of the painting is Liu Shaolu (Lau Siului, 1900-1996), born in Guangzhou, Guandong Province. Liu established the Jiuhuatang Stationary Shop in Guangzhou and migrated to Hong Kong in 1948 where he founded the mounting studio Jiuhuatang. He was interested in Chinese painting and calligraphy and contributed to promoting the art. He provided valuable support and assistance to the exhibitions of various well-known artists which gave him the opportunity to collect masterpieces that later formed his renowned Taiyilou Collection.