A Friend of China

Mao Zedong, Calligraphic autograph letter to Evans Carlson

New York

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                <h5>A Friend of China: the Papers of Evans Carlson Assembled at Yan’an</h5>

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        </div><br>The friendship between Mao Zedong and Evans Carlson, the distinguished American general, is celebrated in this extraordinary archive of material, which includes an extremely rare letter, hand-written by Mao to Carlson, a signed photograph of the leader, and correspondence with Zhu De. A keen photographer himself, Carlson took the opportunity to document the changing political landscape of China in a turbulent era. This rich portfolio, preserved carefully by Carlson’s descendants for over 80 years, is now being dispersed in this landmark sale of 16 lots to enable others to appreciate it. The photos included in the sale afford a glimpse into Carlson’s 1937 journey to Yan’an, the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party. Carlson is remembered for his empathy and support to the revolutionary cause of the Chinese people, most readily indicated by his famous quote “I have seen a new China in the making”.

Friend of China: the Papers of Evans Carlson Assembled at Yan’an

Starting from September 20th, exhibition viewing will be by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please email Fiona.Mu@sothebys.com 24 hours in advance with preferred viewing date and time.

SVP, International Head of Department, Chinese Works of Art, Americas & Europe

Angela McAteer

Senior Vice President | International Specialist and Head of Sale, Himalayan Art

Julian King

VP, Specialist & Senior Researcher, Chinese Works of Art

Hang Yin

Associate Specialist

Cindy Qi

Associate Cataloguer

Serina Wei

Department Assistant

Ying Su

Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator, Chinese Works of Art

Rebecca Howard 

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"Half a century ago, when the Chinese people were struggling in an abyss of misery for their salvation and a better future, an American lent his enthusiasm and support. This will never be forgotten by the Chinese people. Now as we pluck the flowers and fruits of Sino-US friendship, we should every now and then trace their origins back to those sowers of years ago."<br>—Liu Baiyu