Chang Chun (1889-1990) was a prominent figure in modern Chinese politics. Earlier in his life, he dedicated himself to serving the revolutionary cause and was instrumental in the founding of the Republic of China. He took on the duties of foreign diplomacy and provincial affairs, and heroically engaged in the Second Revolution, Northern Expedition, and the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The highlight of this collection is the gifted writings of eminent Republic officials, spanning from The National Protection War to the Second Sino-Japanese War. With works by notable men including Li Liejun, Wu Zhihui and Dai Jitao, this bespoke curation unravels the gripping narrative of Chinese history. Taking center stage is the writings of Huang Xing, gifted in the aftermath of the Second Revolution. Referred by Chinese political Tan Yankai as Huang’s last work executed before his death, it attests to the utmost rarity of the piece.

A savant in arts, Chang began his lifelong journey as a refined connoisseur in the late 1920s. The Collection of Chang Chun made its debut first this spring at Sotheby’s , focusing on artworks by renowned Beijing and Shanghai artists of the 1930s. Following its footsteps, this season gathers together gifts of fans and albums from the same period, meticulously crafted by around 20 notable Beijing-Shanghai artists, including Xie Yucun, He Tianjian, Xiao Xun, Wang Yiting and Fu Zengxiang.

This collection also features benedictions from intimate friends in politics and art, such as Zhao Hengti and Wang Yunwu. Among the ensemble of cherished works, Calligraphy Couplet in Xingshu, gifted by Yu Youren and Huang Junbi, immaculately encapsulates Chang’s life experiences: the expression ‘Life begins at seventy’ applauds him for his continued self-cultivation amidst any turbulence in life. Close confidante Zhang Daqian once presented to Chang, on the occasion of a festival, the painting Summer Fruits and Blossoms and a Calligraphy Couplet in Xingshu, as a tribute to their half of a lifetime of brotherhood through thick and thin. Gifted too were custom-made Dafengtang vases and small plates – undoubtedly a testament to their profound camaraderie!