A CHINESE FIGURE PAINTING, INK AND COLOR ON PAPER, HANGING SCROLL, XU BEIHONG MARK 87*58cm, Condition: Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Alden’s Auction assumes no responsibility for any error or omission. Absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.Any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via Email: info@aldensauction.com Mei Lanfang and Xu Beihong knew each other early on and exchanged artworks. Notably, in the spring of 1918, after watching Mei Lanfang's performance in "The Fairy Scattering Flowers," Xu Beihong felt inspired by the beauty of the performance, akin to a beautiful painting. He then closely examined several stills from Mei Lanfang's performance and decided to create a painting of a celestial woman. Xu Beihong completed this painting within a week, using Western realistic techniques for the face and traditional Chinese brushwork for the body and patterns. This painting is an early masterpiece of East-West fusion by Xu Beihong and stands as a testament to the profound friendship between these two great artists of their time. The painting includes Xu Beihong's inscription and a quatrain written by Luo Yinggong.