Ink and colour on paper, each mounted and unframed. Four landscape fan paintings signed Tang Yifen (1778-1853), Bao Ji (late Qing), Yao Lixiu (1878-1939), and Yang Wensen (Qing Dynasty). Three with collector’s seals of Wu Ming and Chen Yisheng, and the Yang Wensen painting with an extra collector’s seal.
Please note: the dimensions listed are for the largest fan painting.
Afonso Chen (1919-2009) was a well-loved and respected member of Toronto's Chinese Canadian community. Born in Macao and educated in the Portuguese school system, he worked as a journalist during World War II, where he met many renowned artists from Mainland China and Hong Kong who had sought refuge there. In 1954, Afonso became the first Chinese individual to practice law as a solicitor in Macao. After immigrating to Toronto, Canada, with his family in 1968, he joined an investment firm as a stockbroker, all the while continuing his avid collection of Chinese paintings.
Affectionately known as “Uncle Al,” he made significant contributions to the community. He co-founded the Macao Club (Toronto), served with the Ontario Chinese Artist Association, and exhibited works from his extensive collection at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. Afonso's legacy is one of building cultural bridges - supporting and promoting Chinese art through his outstanding painting collection, and fostering cross-cultural understanding between Chinese and Canadian communities.
Wu Ming (1902 - ?) was a prominent collector, painter, and calligrapher of the Republican period. Born in Guangdong, he relocated to Macao during the war years, where he formed a close friendship with renowned artist Huang Binhong (1864-1955). During this time, Wu Ming assembled the significant Xiyu Lou collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy. While in Macao, Chen befriended Wu Ming. Their relationship proved influential, as Chen acquired many works from Wu Ming for his own collection, marking the beginning of Afonso’s lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Chinese art.