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Property from a Private Hong Kong Collection (Lot 283)
SHI XUYUN (1840-1959)
Calligraphy
Details
SHI XUYUN (1840-1959)
Calligraphy
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink on paper
60.8 x 32.8 cm. (23 7⁄8 x 12 7⁄8 in.)
Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist
Dated spring, renchen year (1952)
Dedicated to Madame Kuanbi
Calligraphy
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink on paper
60.8 x 32.8 cm. (23 7⁄8 x 12 7⁄8 in.)
Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist
Dated spring, renchen year (1952)
Dedicated to Madame Kuanbi
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist, thence by descent.
Further details
This calligraphy by Xuyun is dedicated to Kuanbi, the Dharma name of Hong Kong Buddhist lay devotee Tsang Pik-shan (1895–1986). Born in Panyu, Guangdong, she was closely connected to masters including Xuyun.
Tsang moved to Hong Kong at 17 and later founded Tsang Pik Shan (Sung Lan) Secondary Schoo in 1923, advocating for equal education. In 1933, she co-established the Heung Hoi Lotus Society, an early lay Buddhist center in Hong Kong. She also served prominently in the Hong Kong Buddhist Association and received an MBE in 1964 for her educational and charitable work.
She previously resided on Tin Hau Temple Road, where she maintained a shrine and Buddhist library. Tsang received this calligraphy directly from Master Xuyun in 1952 and cherished it throughout her life. It is now preserved by the current owner, along with photographs and other memorabilia, underscoring the work’s historical significance.
Tsang moved to Hong Kong at 17 and later founded Tsang Pik Shan (Sung Lan) Secondary Schoo in 1923, advocating for equal education. In 1933, she co-established the Heung Hoi Lotus Society, an early lay Buddhist center in Hong Kong. She also served prominently in the Hong Kong Buddhist Association and received an MBE in 1964 for her educational and charitable work.
She previously resided on Tin Hau Temple Road, where she maintained a shrine and Buddhist library. Tsang received this calligraphy directly from Master Xuyun in 1952 and cherished it throughout her life. It is now preserved by the current owner, along with photographs and other memorabilia, underscoring the work’s historical significance.
Brought to you by
Carmen Shek Cerne (石嘉雯)
Vice President, Head of Department, Chinese Paintings