Camellia and Little Birds《山茶小鸟图轴》

Chen Zhifo (1896–1962)
Chen Zhifo, also known by his pen name Xueweng, was a distinguished artist and educator from Hushan, Yuyao, Zhejiang (now part of Cixi). His early education was in the field of weaving; in 1913, he enrolled in the Weaving Department of Zhejiang Industrial School, where he studied weaving patterns. Upon graduation, he remained at the school as a teacher. In 1918, Chen received a government scholarship to study in Japan, becoming the first Chinese student to study craft design at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts.

After returning to China, Chen Zhifo contributed to the development of modern Chinese art education, teaching at numerous institutions, including Shanghai Oriental Art College, Shanghai Art University, Guangzhou Municipal Art School, and Shanghai Art College. Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he continued his academic work at Nanjing Normal University and Nanjing University of the Arts. Renowned as a modern art educator, he was instrumental in shaping the academic landscape for generations of artists.

In the 1930s, Chen turned his focus toward traditional Chinese painting, particularly detailed bird and flower painting. His works embody a fusion of the meticulous brushwork tradition that dates back to the Song and Yuan Dynasties, with influences from pattern design and Japanese painting, leading to a unique artistic style that distinguished him in the field.

“Camellia and Little Birds”
This painting exemplifies Chen Zhifo’s signature style—tranquil and elegant with bright, vivid colors. The composition strikes a balance between traditional meticulous techniques and elements drawn from craft design, which is characteristic of his work. The flowers and birds are rendered with precision, reflecting the fine traditions of Chinese painting while incorporating new stylistic influences.

The inscription reads:
“Mr. Han Kun’s legal family. Xue Weng.”

Below the signature is a white-lettered seal that reads:
“Xue Weng’s Poems and Paintings.”

This work exemplifies the depth of Chen Zhifo’s integration of traditional Chinese painting with modern influences, making it a fine example of his artistic innovation. The peacefulness and elegance of the composition underscore his ability to capture nature with both technical skill and artistic sensitivity, while the vibrant use of color adds a contemporary flair to this traditional genre.

陈之佛（1896—1962），号雪翁，浙江余姚浒山（今属慈溪）人。1913年入浙江工业学校机织科学习机织图案，毕业后留校任教。1918年考取公费留学日本，进入东京美术学校工艺图案科就读，为我国到日本学习工艺图案的第一个留学生。回国后先后任教于上海东方艺专、上海艺大、广州市立美术学校、上海美专等校。建国后执教于南京师范大学、南京艺术学院等高校，为现代著名美术教育家。三十年代时致力于国画研究，擅长工笔画鸟。

他的花鸟画继承了宋元以来工笔画的优秀传统，还吸收了图案设计和日本绘画特色，形成了自己独特的艺术风格。此画宁静清雅，色泽清艳，既有传统工笔意韵，又有工艺图案的因素，为其典型面目。款署：“汉堃先生法家属正。雪翁。”款下铃白文“雪翁诗画”印。