Landscape Inspired by Juran

Born in Shengci town, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, Liu Kuo Chun (1887–1978) became a prominent figure in modern China’s textile industry. After brief schooling, he left home in 1901 to work in Changzhou, beginning with textile trading and a dye workshop. Over the early 20th century, he founded multiple textile factories and, in 1948, established South Cotton Mill Ltd. in Hong Kong. Returning to China in 1950, he served as Chairman and General Manager of Dacheng Company and later held important public roles, including Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, and Vice Chairman of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Known for his strategic vision, embrace of advanced technology and management reform, and ability to deploy talent effectively, Liu became a leading force in the textile sector. His interest in art collecting began in 1941 in Shanghai, where he acquired paintings and calligraphy and attended exhibitions. Through these activities, he befriended noted collectors and connoisseurs such as Qian Jingtang, Wu Hufan, Xie Zhiliu and Wang Nanping. Their regular appreciation sessions deepened his understanding of classical Chinese art. Liu later expanded his collection through acquisitions in Nanjing, Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong and Changzhou, forming the distinguished Liu Jing Xiu Tang Collection.