Pine

The photo in fig.1 was taken in February 1937 at a send-off party for Wu Xipei (1902-65) , who was going on a eight-week tour of Hong Kong and Shanghai. Wu is seated on the right of Guan Zhenmin (1880-1962) , pictured here holding a walking stick. Wu was a clerk in the Immigration Department in British Penang.
Guan Zhenmin, original name Wangtao, courtesy name Xianbai, was a native of Huangyan, Zhejiang province. Guan graduated from Jingshi Daxuetang (later Beijing University) and took up the head post in the Second Provincial Normal College of Zhejiang and Hua Qiao High School in Rangoon, Burma, and then as Head of Biology in Xihu Museum, Zhejiang. From February 1935 until his retirement in 1949, he was head of the Chinese Department, Chung Ling High School. It was during his time in Penang when he befriended Wu. A well-respected educator for over 50 years, Guan was also known for his literary prowess and calligraphic skills.
This painting was given to Wu Xipei (1902-65) by Xu Beihong in 1941. Guan wrote a note (fig. 2) that records his failed visit to give the calligraphy on the top of the painting to Wu. The Japanese occupied Penang from December 1941 to August 1945 and in the turmoil, Guan lost his son. In 1946, the calligraphy was completed and appended to the painting.