Scroll Height: 93 1/4" Width: 38 1/4" Painting Height: 54 1/2" Width: 27 1/4" 15th C. Ming Dynasty, Zhou Wenjing 周文靖, Chinese traditional scroll painting, ink on paper laid to silk, hanging scroll. Signed.Title: winter crow on old treeA swooping flock of birds find rest from their journey atop a large tree, by Zhou Wenqing (周文靖;-1463, Ming Dynasty) Guohua traditional Chinese brush techniques were used to create light, dark, rough, and soft features throughout. Each branch and twig are expertly placed to mimic nature with the utmost precision. The darker paper gives this painting a natural earthy tone. The pen is fine and vigorous, the ink is dark and thick, and the composition is novel and original. Calligraphic script is noted on the right edge. Four official red artist seals can be found on this magnificent piece of work. This painting is mounted to a sturdy matted scroll. PROVENANCE: From the heirloom collections of Wu Guozhen (吳國楨; October 21, 1903-June 6, 1984) was a Chinese political figure and historian, government official who served as mayor of Hankow (1932-1938), mayor of Chung-king (1939-1941), political vice minister of foreign affairs (1943-45), mayor of Shanghai (1946-1948), and governor of Taiwan (1950-1952) and the former Chairman of Taiwan Provincial Government. He resigned in 1953 and went to the United States, charging that Taiwan was becoming a police state.K.C. Wu lived in the United States where he served as professor of Chinese history at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. During his time in the United States, he wrote various works, including a detailed analysis on Chinese culture in the context of mythology and early history in his book The Chinese Heritage.Wu is remembered mainly for his vital role in the formation of a liberal modern Taiwan and his anti-communist beliefs typical of a member of Kuomintang, but he is also remembered for his brave anti-Kuomintang rhetoric and turbulent disagreements with the more Russian-styled second President of Taiwan.The Collections of Wu Guozhen (吳國楨) presented and offered up to auctions ON DAY-1: from Lot-97 through Lot-127, continued from Lot-219 through Lot-255. ON DAY-2: from Lot-354 through Lot-377, continued from Lot-451 through Lot-480.LOT NOTES: Zhou Wenjing ( 周文靖), was a famed Chinese imperial painter in Ming Dynasty. His birth and death dates are unknown, but he was active until some time after 1463.Zhou, pseudonym Sanshan (三山), was a native of Hexian (now Putian) in Fujian province. He was skillful at landscape painting and followed in the style of Xia Gui. He enjoyed the patronage of the elderly Xie Huan. Condition Natural imperfection on the medium (paper or silk), regardless from any major damages; includes light blooms, discoloration and minor fading. Consider normal due to the ages. All lots are sold as is and where is. Lauren Galleries provides condition reports upon request to aide in your bidding decision. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, Lauren Galleries does not give refunds based on condition. Lauren Galleries does not perform any shipping or packing services. We do have a list of suggested shippers who gladly provide quotes prior to your bidding. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.