GRINNING HORSE

Because of his interest in art, Tam Shu Ming met Xu Beihong during his many travels around China overseeing the construction of electrical plants and the artist's journeys to his exhibitions and patrons. Mr. Tam enjoyed riding tremendously, and he requested that Xu Beihong paint for him a laughing horse, showing big teeth, as that is the traditional measure of a horse's value. He also wanted the horse to be depicted without the usual bump on its nose, as his own stallion was a beautiful one with a straight nose and beautiful teeth. While this composition features Xu's characteristic carefully observed equine anatomy and proud posture, the artist complied enthusiastically and gave this horse a big grin.