Gao Qi-Feng

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A native of Panyu in Guangdong province, Gao Qifeng (1889-1933), original name Weng, was the younger brother of Gao Jianfu (1879?951), with whom he learned painting in his early years before also going to Japan , in 1907, to study under Tanaka Raisho (1868-1940). He is also acclaimed as one of the "Three Masters of the Lingnan School ". This painting is one of the finest examples of Gao Qifeng's work. A couple of chickens are depicted sheltering peacefully under a birch-leaf pear tree. Falling petals and a colour-washed background, together with the two resting chickens, create a romantic, poetic and dream-like visual impact. Exquisitely executed, the chickens and the birch-leaf pear are vivid and solid, yet the artist is able to capture a transient moment of nature. Gao successfully combined the poetic element of Chinese painting, Japanese pleinair painting and Western techniques to develop a unique personal style.