Xu Nanhu Painting Album - China Modern Masters Paintings Collection

Author: Jia Dejiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Xu Nanhu, originally named Shaojiang, styled as Chonghong, was born in Zhouzhuang, Kunshan in 1906. From a young age, he had a deep passion for art and studied under the painter Wang Yunxuan of Wuxi. Later, he enrolled in the Shanghai Chinese Art College and devoted himself to artistic pursuits. At that time, Huang Binhong served as the college's president, and the faculty included renowned painters and calligraphers such as Deng Wuchang, Ji Zhengbai, Deng Manqing, Shang Shengbo, Ma Gongyu, Zhang Shanmei, and Fang Jiakan. Xu Nanhu benefited greatly from the teachings of these masters, particularly admiring Huang Binhong. After Huang left the college, Xu Nanhu resolved to follow him and rented a home in Xichengli in Shanghai to live near his teacher, hoping to receive guidance daily. Impressed by his sincerity, Huang accepted him as an apprentice, teaching him for four years with a focus on landscape painting. Xu's skills improved steadily.
Starting in 1932, Xu Nanhu taught at the art class of the Shanghai Patriot Women's School, founded by Cai Yuanpei. Later, he moved between Suzhou, Wuxi, and Shanghai, enduring hardships but strengthening his resolve to pursue art. Over more than seventy years, he meticulously studied the Huang-style painting technique, deeply emulating its brushwork, ink techniques, composition, and coloration. He also widely absorbed the strengths of masters from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, blending traditional techniques into a unique style characterized by simplicity, naturalness, and a profound depth.
To commemorate this distinguished Kunshan painter, commend his noble character, and preserve his exquisite artistry, the Kunshan Literature and Art Federation initiated the editing and publication of Xu Nanhu Paintings in the spring of 2006. This project received strong support from the Zhouzhuang Town Party Committee and Government, the Kunshan Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Kunshan Daily, and Jiangsu Zhouzhuang Water Town Tourism Co., Ltd., as well as enthusiastic attention from all sectors of society.
Due to the scattered nature of Xu Nanhu's works among the public and the limited space of this collection, only a selection of his works can be included. We hope this anthology will showcase the full breadth of Xu Nanhu's artistic achievements. The publication of Xu Nanhu Paintings is expected to contribute to the promotion, appreciation, and study of his art, as well as the flourishing development of Kunshan's artistic endeavors.