Harmony of Phoenixes 《鸾和图轴》

Lu Hui (1851–1920)
Lu Hui, originally named Youkui and later known as Youhui, was a native of Tongli, Wujiang, Jiangsu (now Wujiang District, Suzhou). He was also known by the courtesy name Lianfu and pseudonyms Jiansou, Jian’an, Jingnan Jiuke, Pofu Anzhu, and Rongxi Xuanzhu, among others. As a child, he pursued traditional studies and excelled in his entrance exams as a scholar. However, his path to official titles was blocked after accusations that his father had been involved with the Taiping Army. Lu turned to art under the guidance of Liu Delu, studying flowers, fruits, and feathers, earning acclaim for his orchid paintings. Later, he met Wu Dacheng, whose collection greatly influenced and advanced his artistic pursuits. Lu also traveled extensively, visiting the scenic wonders of Sanxiang and Liaodong, broadening his experience and deepening his artistic expression. His brushwork grew increasingly robust, graceful, and imbued with an ancient and profound charm. Lu excelled across various subjects, including landscapes, figures, flowers, birds, and vegetables, as well as calligraphy, where he was skilled in Han dynasty clerical script and Wei stele styles, noted for their strength and epigraphic quality.

“Harmony of Phoenixes” (1895)
“Harmony of Phoenixes” symbolizes the harmonious relationship between a husband and wife through the imagery of the phoenix and the luan bird singing in unison. This painting is a tribute to the style of Hua Yan, showcasing elegant brushstrokes and warm, refined coloring. The inscriptions demonstrate Lu Hui’s exceptional skill in calligraphy, enhancing the overall artistic impact. Created during his middle years, this work reflects his meticulous attention and is regarded as a high-level achievement in his artistic career.

陆恢（1851—1920），初名友奎，一名友恢，字廉夫，号狷叟、狷盦等，别署井南旧客、破佛盦主、容膝轩主等，江苏吴江（今苏州吴江区）同里人。幼习举子业，秀才入学试为第一，有人举报其父曾参加太平军，功名之路永绝。从刘德六游，习花果、翎毛，有出兰之誉。后晤吴大澂，纵观吴之所藏，艺事大进。旋客吴幕，得游三湘、辽东名胜。阅历既广，笔意益苍劲遒丽，古拙幽深。画山水、人物、花鸟蔬果，无一不能。书工汉隶魏碑，遒劲而具有金石气。

“鸾凤和鸣”指鸾鸟与凤凰相互应和鸣叫，以喻夫妻和谐。此图为他仿华嵒之作，笔墨雅健，设色温润，题款书法亦极其精彩，是其中年颇经心之作，艺术水平较高。