A CHINESE LONGEVITY PAINTING, INK AND COLOR ON PAPER, HANGING SCROLL, MEI LANFANG MARK 128*63cm, 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, also known as Lan, with the courtesy names Wan Hua and Huan Hua, was the master of Zhuoyu Pavilion. Renowned as a grandmaster of Peking opera, he also harbored a deep passion for painting, achieving considerable skill in the art form. During his youth, on his first trip to Shanghai for a performance, he met with the painter Wu Changshuo. Their discussions on drama and painting led to a deep friendship. Wu's gift of a plum blossom painting to Mei sparked his interest in painting. Upon returning to Beijing, Mei began to study painting with the renowned artist Wang Mengbai, who taught him to paint flowers, feathers, insects, landscapes, and figures, infusing his works with vitality and spirit. Mei gained profound insights from painting, appreciating the nuanced interplay of void and substance, simplicity and complexity, and density and sparsity, which also resonated with stage art. He viewed painting as a source of inspiration for theatrical costume design and makeup. From then on, Mei dedicated time to learning and observing painting with the same seriousness as his stage performances. He befriended many famous painters, frequently hosting gatherings in the Zhuoyu Pavilion of his old residence in Beijing's Dongcheng district, where he sought advice and shared his passion for painting. Mei's interest in painting grew over time, influencing and enriching his stage performances.