Portrait of Tao'an

WANG ZHEN (1867-1938) Portrait of Tao'an Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper Inscribed and signed, with three seals of the artist Dated spring, guiyou year (1933) Dedicated to Saionji Kinmochi Further inscribed and signed by Saionji Kinmochi (1849-1940) on the wooden box, with one seal NOTE : The recipient of the painting was Saionji Kinmochi (1849-1940). He was a senior statesman who served throughout the Meiji, Taish and Showa eras. He was one of the favourite pupils of Ito Hirobumi. In the early 20th century, he and Katsura Tar , Yamagata Aritomo’s student, held the position of Prime Minister in turns, hence the name “Keien Era”. As the last statesman of the Japanese monarchy, he was named Prince in 1920, which is why Wang Zhen addresses him as Prince Saionji in the painting. 151 x 41 cm. (59 ½ x 16 1/8 in.)