Lin Fengmian

signed in Chinese (lower right); signed in Chinese and Lin Fon Ming with the artist's seal (reverse)
executed circa 1960s

Acquired directly from the artist in the 1960s
Thence by descent  to the present owner

Lightly restored, re-varnished, and in a wooden frame, there are very light, very faint cracks in small portions of the painting due to the age of the work, however they are stable. Otherwise, the work is in excellent overall condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Message from Monsieur and Madame HELLE about their acquaintance with Lin Fengmian in the early 1960s in China:

Though we were very enthusiastic about coming to the People's Republic of China, we are nevertheless isolated, because of our lack of understanding of the language. We have a Chinese language teacher and a tutor who teaches us watercolours; for it is said that paintings are universal; art is also a tremendous means of communication and unification.

Our first visit to Lin Fengmian was suggested by friends who had lived in Shanghai for several years and deeply loved this country. It was a true revelation. Lin spoke not only through his artist's palette, but also through his knowledge of France and the French language. We were regularly welcomed to his modest two-room apartment which was situated at 53 Nanchang Road in Shanghai. One by one the painter let us contemplate his works. What a tiny privilege to be able to enjoy, in such intimacy, their light, their particular atmosphere and the sensation of well-being that penetrates us.

We needed to have some at home too and for several years we experienced moments of "te - i" in our house thanks to Lin Fengmian.

This quiet and discreet artist does not go out much.

Lin Fengmian one day did me the favour, of spreading a line of colour over a large surface of paper, in a broad and swift gesture.

He liked speaking about his years in Bourgogne and Paris. He also liked having the opportunity, when visiting Italian friends, to go through their magazines, freshly arrived from Italy, in which beautiful models displayed the latest fashions.

When invited to stay outside of Shanghai, he began to paint plates but was not able to earn a living from it.

At the end of our stay, Lin Fengmian let me purchase oil paintings, illustrating Chinese legends and the Beijing opera. It was to be our last visit. He was a little agitated and impatient to see his family who had been detained in Brazil.

HEROINES OF THE YANGS – MU GUIYING TAKING COMMAND
Mu Guiying is one of the Yang's female warriors. She is the wife of Yang Zhongbao, Yang Ye's grandson. She successfully led twelve widows to conquer the West – Xixia was defeated and was submitted to the emperor. Moreover, she suppressed the rebellion in the South and was awarded by the emperor.