Former KMT Elder Zhang Qun's 'Masterpiece Collection' Goes to Auction; Chiang Kai-shek's Handwritten 'Love, Loyalty, Sincerity' on Pre-Exhibition in Taipei

The late Kuomintang elder Zhang Qun (1889–1990), originally from Sichuan, China, collected numerous renowned artworks under the studio name 'Zhong Xing Lu' throughout his life. Bonhams Hong Kong’s autumn auction of Chinese paintings will present a series of Zhang Qun’s collection, including Chiang Kai-shek’s handwritten regular script 'Love, Loyalty, Sincerity,' estimated at HK$100,000 to HK$200,000 (approximately NT$400,000 to NT$800,000).

Zhang Qun began amassing classical and modern masterpieces under the name 'Zhong Xing Lu' since the 1920s. His collection closely reflects his personal journey, social connections, and historical experiences. After relocating to Taiwan, he donated nearly 100 fine works by artists such as Bada Shanren, Shi Tao, and Zhang Daqian to the National Palace Museum and the National Museum of History.

Last year, Bonhams successfully launched a dedicated sale titled 'Zhang Qun’s Album of Zhang Daqian’s Fan Paintings,' with all lots sold. This time, 35 items from Zhang Qun’s former collection will be previewed in Taipei, spanning the years 1928 to 1963. The collection includes paintings, calligraphy, letters, birthday tributes, and gift works, offering insights into Zhang’s political career during his tenure as Mayor of Shanghai in the 1920s, his Beijing period in the early 1930s, his time in Chengdu and Nanjing in the 1940s, and his later years in Taiwan.

One highlight is Chiang Kai-shek’s handwritten regular script 'Love, Loyalty, Sincerity,' gifted to Zhang Qun’s eldest son, Zhang Jizheng, upon his marriage. According to Bonhams’ press release, 'Love, Loyalty, Sincerity' was the motto drafted by Chiang Kai-shek and approved by Sun Yat-sen at the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy in 1924, symbolizing revolutionary comrades as close as siblings. The inscription thus carries profound significance.

Also on display is Zhang Daqian’s 'River Pavilion Seeking Verses,' painted to celebrate the birthday of Zhang Qun’s wife. Another key highlight is Lin Fengmian’s 'Secluded Dwelling,' a rare dated work by the artist. Departing from his typical square format, this vertical scroll depicts pine forests, mountain dwellings, and streams. It originates from the former collection of the Indonesian-Chinese Li Aimen family, with clear provenance.

Bonhams Hong Kong’s Autumn Sale of Chinese Paintings will take place on October 7 in Hong Kong, with a pre-exhibition held in Taipei at Yi Yun Shu Wu from September 19 to 20.