A Pair of Calligraphy Couplet Ink Paintings

Ink on paper, a pair of poetic calligraphy compositions, the left composition dated 己亥年 (Jihai year) and signed 孫中山 (Sun Zhongshan) together with a red artist seal, presented under glass with red mats in black wood frames.


60 x 18 in.

Private Collection

These scrolls were thought to be by San Yat-Sen (Chinese, 1866-1925) because they are signed 孫中山 (Sun Zhongshan). This was a name used to refer to Sun Yat-Sen after the establishment of the Republic government. Zhongshan is the Chinese pronunciation of his Japanese pseudonym, Nakayama (中山). However, the red artist seal on this set is not a known seal that he used.

Toning to paper; paper appears to have a wash over it; left painting with some tears to upper right corner with lifting and some loss; more repaired and stable tears to left hand side of painting; repairs to right painting; a few areas with stains; not examined outside of the frames.