In 1926 Bishop Shen Zigao (1893 – 1982), the Oxford and Cambridge educated theologian, had set up the art society 'St Luke's Studio' with the expressed purpose of encouraging the creation of art within the Chinese church. One of the leading artists of the movement was Xu Sanchun who converted to Christianity having previously worked in the railways. His work was often critiqued by the Bishop himself to help it communicate the tenets of Christianity to a Chinese audience through indigenous artistic means.
Works by the artist are exceptionally rare. A poster of a work by Xu is currently in the collection of the Hong Kong Baptist University Library Art Collection, accession number 226-095.
The present image is taken from the Bible's New Testament, John 13:1-17 tells of how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, as a demonstration of his humility. It was one of a series of four works, now thought to be lost, commissioned by Bishop Zigao to represent the four tenets of the Christian faith: prayer, healing, preaching and service, created to hang on a side wall of the guest hall of St Luke's Studio in Nanjing.
A version of the present work is reproduced in Daniel Johnson Fleming, Each With his Own Brush: Contemporary Christian Art in Asia and Africa, 1938, p.19.
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
买家佣金及收费 For all Sales categories excluding Wine, Coins & Medals and Motor Cars and Motorcycles:
Buyer's Premium Rates 25% on the first ?175,000 of the Hammer Price 20% from ?175,001 to ?3,000,000 the Hammer Price 12.5% from ?3,000,001 of the Hammer Price
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
买家责任 ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
付款须知 For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
运输须知 For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
