01.11.2013
Macao Post issued a set of six stamps and a miniature sheet with one stamp depicting Chinese calligraphy and painting by famous Macao painters.
The history of Chinese calligraphy and paintings is rather long, during which time appeared many talents. Since 1954, quite a few artists of Macao have begun to make regular gatherings to discuss about art, paint together and hence make friendly connections. These gatherings also provided them with a chance to look back on the history, the tradition. They came from different places, so their paintings reflected various evergreen views in Lingnan region (south China).
“Yu Un”, 1962, Leong Chong Hin, Guan Wanli, Situ Qi, Chui Tak Kei and Lin Jin
From the calligraphy, we can tell that the plum and stones were drawn by Leong Chong Hin, alabaster and pucao by Guan Wanli, narcissus by Situ Qi, sedge by Chui Tak Kei and calligraphy by Lin Jin. Meanwhile, it is clear that the artists from Macao not only paint by inner emotions or memories, but also paint from life.
“Literary Meeting in Goi Meng House”, 1961, Gu Danming
Goi Meng House was the name of Chui Tak Kei’s studio. It is the predecessor of “Yu Un Gathering” and “Yu Un” Chinese Calligraphers and Painters Association, the place where the monthly event of “Yu Un Calligraphy and Painting” is organized. As a painter and a connoisseur, Gu Danming made this piece out of sudden inspiration when he attended the Goi Meng House’s gathering.
“Blessings of Autumn”, 1982, Huang Yunyu, Guan Wanli, U KuanWai, Zhou Paiyun, Zhao Wenfeng, Tam Van Iao, Kam Hang, Chan Chi Vai, Chui Tak Kei and Lin Jin
This painting celebrates the 90th anniversary of Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society. Huang Yunyu lived in Macao since Anti-Japanese War. In the spare time, Huang studied painting, especially abelmosk. Guan Wanli and Tam Van Iao are both disciples of Gao Jianfu. Guan is a well-rounded painter, and Tam is good at painting mountains, waters, flowers and birds. Guan can draw hibiscus while Tam can draw lily. U Kuan Wai learned from Situ Qi. Zhou Paiyun is good at portraits, originated from Min school, and also flowers. Kam Hang is given the honour of “The King of Eagle”, and painted begonia in this piece. Chan Chi Vai did orange osmanthus and longevity stones, Chui Tak Kei ink bamboos and stones, and Lin Jin the calligraphy. The meanings that nature bear are the pursuit of decent life and the belief in beauty and kindness.
“Autumn”, 1959, Situ Qi, Chui Tak Kei and Huang Haoming
Huang Haoming learned from Shen Zhongqiang and was influenced by Deng Fen. This picture was painted in autumn, in which Huang drew the chrysanthemums. Chui Tak Kei used the technique of delineation to draw the orchids and placed in the blue morning glories drew by Situ Qi and Lin Jin made the inscription. Obviously, the chrysanthemums represent “age”, the orchids represent “noble man”, and the morning glories represent “morning flash” because they blossom in the mornings and withers and night. With the combination of inscription and painting, this piece of work makes people feel that noble men share the beauty of nature.
“Announcement of Spring”, 1956, Chui Tak Kei
This painting was originally done by Situ Qi and Luo Shuzhong and signed by Luo. Chui Tak Kei learned from Situ. Chui used the technique of “water-logging and color-logging” to paint plum branches, flowers and blue birds, making them vivid and charming.
“Heroic Kapok”, 1974, Chui Tak Kei
Chui Tak Kei’s style of painting flowers and birds shares a resemblance with the “Song Yuan” (Song Dynasty’s Royal School) and his ink bamboos have a tint of Ming Dynasty. People from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong all fall for that. In this piece of work, he used as few lines to display the kapok, with flamboyant but temperate strokes and rich colors. It is a classic combination of eastern and western styles.
“Sparrows and Red Leaves”, 1957, Deng Fen, Situ Qi and Lin Jin
Deng Fen and Situ Qi have stayed in Macao for many years. Deng write songs and sing. The flowers and birds he paints have the idiosyncrasy of Song dynasty while the portraits of ancient ladies are honoured to be the best in Guandong province in contemporary times. Situ learned western painting style in his early time, and then matriculated in GaoJianfu’s “Chunshui Painting School”. Lin Jin was taught by Feng Kanghou, Qin Esheng, and was close with Luo Shuzhong. In this painting, the vivid sparrows by Situ, along with the branches, red leaves, and green grasses by Deng make a balanced-colored and wildly beautiful picture. The artistic concept in Chinese painting “Spirit comes from shape” can be best illustrated here.
Issuing the set of stamps which is based on the masterpieces of Macao’s art predecessors is significant not only in illustrating and disseminating art works of Macao, but also in arousing people’s confidence in Chinese culture, especially Macao culture.
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