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Lot Essay
Loh Cheng Chuan (1907-1966), also known as Zishi, was a distinguished art collector in Southeast Asia and the founding chairman of the Penang Art Society. Loh, a Chinese medicine practitioner recognized for his strong work ethic, played a significant role in the local art scene and in promoting Chinese culture. In the early 1940s, Xu Beihong journeyed to Penang to organize an art exhibition to support China’s resistance against Japan. During this time, Loh and Xu forged a deep friendship that transcended boundaries and endured over time. Even when Xu Beihong returned to China, their bond remained steadfast, with exchanged artworks and correspondence symbolizing their enduring friendship. Following the war,
Loh cultivated close relationships with Chinese overseas artists like Zhao Shao’ang, Yang Shanshen, and Zhang Daqian, contributing significantly to the art community while championing Chinese cultural heritage. Loh’s profound dedication to art solidified his position as a prominent figure in northern Malaysia.
The friendship between Loh and Xu Beihong became a celebrated narrative in the art world. Their initial encounter was in February 1941, when a Penang Chinese association invited Xu Beihong to exhibit in an art exhibition. Loh’s meticulous preparations for the exhibition, ensuring the comfort of the artists’ accommodations, deeply touched Xu Beihong and thus, their brotherly friendship was formed. Despite a twelve-year age gap, their connection was characterized by unwavering trust and understanding. Xu Beihong gifted paintings to Loh and later became the godfather to Loh’s son, Lo Tuo. Alongside Huang Menggui and Huang Manshi, Xu discovered yet another kindred spirit in the region. The Loh Cheng Chuan collection of Xu Beihong paintings has remained private for decades, and the appearance of these two works in the auction offers invaluable insights into Xu Beihong’s artistic journey in Southeast Asia.
Loh cultivated close relationships with Chinese overseas artists like Zhao Shao’ang, Yang Shanshen, and Zhang Daqian, contributing significantly to the art community while championing Chinese cultural heritage. Loh’s profound dedication to art solidified his position as a prominent figure in northern Malaysia.
The friendship between Loh and Xu Beihong became a celebrated narrative in the art world. Their initial encounter was in February 1941, when a Penang Chinese association invited Xu Beihong to exhibit in an art exhibition. Loh’s meticulous preparations for the exhibition, ensuring the comfort of the artists’ accommodations, deeply touched Xu Beihong and thus, their brotherly friendship was formed. Despite a twelve-year age gap, their connection was characterized by unwavering trust and understanding. Xu Beihong gifted paintings to Loh and later became the godfather to Loh’s son, Lo Tuo. Alongside Huang Menggui and Huang Manshi, Xu discovered yet another kindred spirit in the region. The Loh Cheng Chuan collection of Xu Beihong paintings has remained private for decades, and the appearance of these two works in the auction offers invaluable insights into Xu Beihong’s artistic journey in Southeast Asia.