Lotus

ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983) Lotus Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper 75.3 x 143.5 cm. (29 5/8 x 56 1/2 in.) Inscribed and signed, with three seals of the artist Dated tenth month, bingwu year (1966) Dedicated to Madame Shumei (Nam Hung) NOTE: In the 1960s, Nam Hung often performed Cantonese opera to Chinese communities abroad, travelling regularly to Southeast Asia and the United States, including cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. While in New York, Nam Hung and her mother would visit her dear uncle Tam Ping Yung, owner of legendary Bo Bo Restaurant on Mott Street in Chinatown. Known for his love for good food, Zhang Daqian loved going to Bo Bo for its delicious Cantonese cuisine during his visits to New York from Brazil, where he resided in the 1960s. In 1966, Nam Hung met Zhang Daqian at the restaurant through Tam’s introduction. A few days later, as a gift to Nam Hung, Zhang returned to the restaurant with a large beautiful lotus painting dedicated to her. Nam Hung particularly enjoys the poem inscribed by the artist. Lotus has adorned Chor Yuen’s study for more than half a century.