QIGONG (CHINESE 1912-2005)

QIGONG (CHINESE 1912-2005)

Calligraphy Couplet,
ink and gold on woven paper
paper: 127 x 30 cm (50 x 11 3/4 in.) [each]
stamped with artist seal upper and lower left

LOT NOTES
Qigong was born into a Manchu family in Beijing in 1912. Both Qigong great-grandfather and grandfather had the highest Chinese academic title known as Jinshi, and he was the descendant of the Yongzheng Emperor through his son Hongzhou, making Qigong a member of the Aisin Gioro imperial clan. When Qigong was coming to prominence, he made the decision to not use the Manchu "Aisin Gioro" or sinicized Jin surname, and by declining both he chose to go by the legal surname of "Qi". This decision allowed him to establish a name for himself removed from the Imperial Family. In his lifetime Qigong became a renowned Chinese calligrapher, artist, painter, connoisseur and sinologist. He was also an advisor for the September 3 Society (Jiusan Society), one of China's recognized political parties. Learning Chinese calligraphy at a young age, he studied various historical stone inscriptions of calligraphy. Through this, Qigong became versatile in all writing styles, such as regular script (kaishu), running hand (xingshu), and cursive script (caoshu). His own style derived from the merging characteristics of different eras and authors, often including his own poetry in his calligraphy and embodying that of great classical calligraphers like Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi- both of whom were calligraphers during the Jin Dynasty. Qigong lived alone in his home and studio on the Fujen University campus (later Beijing Normal University) where he taught Chinese classics and literature. Qigong was unassuming amongst his peers and students, but before his death in 2005 he was announced as the honorary president of Chinese Calligraphers Association, director of Cultural Relic Authentication Committee of the State Council, and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Qigong left a legacy after his death in 2005, and many of his calligraphic pieces can be seen on landmark buildings, scenic areas around China, and on book covers and titles. It is said that what Qigong valued most in life besides his calligraphic work was the pure love and selfless support between him and his late wife Zhang Baochen.

CONDITION
The scrolls appear in age-appropriate condition. Scattered spotting and wear to the edges, visible creases to the woven paper. With no significant issues to report otherwise.

Kindly note, the auction is comprised of two sessions:
Session I: Russian and Asian Art, Antiques and Jewelry, lots 1-331
Session II: European, North and South American, and Ethnographic Art, Antiques, Jewelry, and Design, lots 500-827

N.B. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.