Calligraphy

Born in Anhui, Feng Yuxiang (1882-1948) was a general of the National Revolutionary Army and a close friend of Chiang Kai-shek. He was awarded the United States Silver Medal of Freedom and two prestigious military medals from the Republic of China for his deeds in the Sino-Japanese War. As indicated by the dedication, he gifted this couplet to Charles R. Crane (1858-1939), who was a diplomat and philanthropist. Letters between these two men are archived at Columbia University. Crane served as the U.S. Ambassador to China in 1921, and while his tenure was brief, it was also distinguished and he was awarded the Order of Chiao Ho, First Class.