Pure Enjoyment in Bamboo Grove《竹坞清趣图轴》

Tang Ken (1876–1950)
Tang Ken, courtesy name Qilin, a descendant of Tang Jinchuan, was from Wujin (present-day Changzhou), Jiangsu. In 1905, he studied law at Chuo University in Japan. After the founding of the Republic of China, he held various military and political positions in Zhili, including acting magistrate of Yixing County. After the Anti-Japanese War, he retired to Shanghai, refusing to accept puppet government positions and made a living through his art. He was skilled in literature, poetry, calligraphy, and painting, with a deep understanding of art appraisal and a vast collection, earning great acclaim.

“Pure Enjoyment in Bamboo Grove”
Tang Ken’s landscape scroll, created for Mr. Liu Guojun, depicts scenes of ancient trees, bamboo groves, waterfalls, and mountain peaks, not only showcasing the grandeur of landscapes but also conveying a sense of leisurely seclusion in the mountains. His brushwork is powerful and elegant, reflecting his deep mastery of ancient techniques and a keen focus on capturing the spirit of nature to express his personal sentiments. The inscription reads: “Clear charm in a bamboo grove, for the appreciation of Brother Guojun, summer of the Guiwei year, by Tang Ken.” The seals read “Tang Ken’s private seal” and “Master of Xiaoban Garden.”

唐肯（1876—1950），字企林，唐荆川后裔，武进（今江苏常州）人。1905年东渡日本中央大学学习法律。民国后曾历任直隶地方军政职务、调任代理宜兴县长等职。抗战后退隐上海，拒不任伪职，以鬻艺为生。他能文善诗工书画，精鉴赏、富收藏，名重一时。

唐肯此山水轴是为刘国钧先生所作。通过对古树丛竹、瀑布、山峰等景物的描绘，不仅展现了山水的宏大，而且还表现出隐居山林的悠然。笔墨沉雄而清雅，从中可以看出他不仅师古功底深厚，而且十分注重对山水灵气的表现，以抒发个人的胸襟。款署：“竹坞清趣，国钧老弟清赏，癸未夏唐肯。”款下钤白文“唐肯私印”、朱文“小半园主”二章。