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Lot Essay
This large and dramatic painting by Pan Tianshou hung in Robert Ellsworth's foyer and was one of the first works of art visitors would see when they entered his Fifth Avenue apartment.
Pan Tianshou was born in Ninghai, Zhejiang province into a rural family and learned painting independently from manuals. Eventually, he became an art teacher in Shanghai, where he met Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), whose style greatly influenced Pan. He later moved to Hangzhou and visited Japan in 1929. While he developed his own bold and innovative style, Pan Tianshou opposed introducing Western aspects into Chinese paintings and felt the latter should remain true to its roots. In addition to painting, he was also an accomplished calligrapher and seal carver.
Pan Tianshou was born in Ninghai, Zhejiang province into a rural family and learned painting independently from manuals. Eventually, he became an art teacher in Shanghai, where he met Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), whose style greatly influenced Pan. He later moved to Hangzhou and visited Japan in 1929. While he developed his own bold and innovative style, Pan Tianshou opposed introducing Western aspects into Chinese paintings and felt the latter should remain true to its roots. In addition to painting, he was also an accomplished calligrapher and seal carver.