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Attributed to Zhu Da (BADA Shanren, 1626 - after 1705), Qing…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
13-Nov-2022
Lot No.
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Description:
Attributed to Zhu Da (BADA Shanren, 1626 - after 1705), Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) ink and colour on paper, inscribed, signed and one red seal of the artist. Framed, 94.5 x 49 cm. Provenance: The incredible provenance relating to this painting, together with the subject matter, which can be traced back for more than a century,make it extraordinary and truly unique. At first in the possession of Mr. Willard straight (1808-1918), a young American diplomat, banker and artist who had a career in the Far-East 'that Midas himself might have envied', who married Dorothy Whitney, the daughter of legendary millionaire William C. Whitney. It is thought that Willard straight and his wife, passed on this present painting, originally purchased in China to their Son Michael straight. Michael Straight's biography appears in: 'Last of the cold war Spies - the life of Michael straight. The only American in Britain's Cambridge Spy Ring' by Roland Perry, and which details how he became an MI5 secret Agent, who eventually admitted to having worked as a spy for the Russians. During the second World War, Michael straight became acquainted with an extraordinary South African man, named Oscar Oeser (1904-1983). A trimly built gentleman, with a keen, narrow gaze and neat moustache, Oeser appreciated fine Art, literature and music; he spoke several languages, supported progressive education, read voraciously, and had a formidable and penetrating intellect. He had been Michael's Professor, and was remarkably also an elite member of the MI5, and was daringly part of the impressive group who helped to decode Enigma during the war. At some point,during this period, Michael straight gifted this painting to Oscar, as a sign of his gratitude and respect, and the work was gratefully received. The painting has thence by descent, been passed to the previous owner- Yvonne Raphael Oeser (22/4/1923-13/12/2020). An important private collection, south Yarra. Willard Straight (1808-1918)
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Oriental: Art