Chinese literati have traditionally made a habit of testing their brush skills on New Year’s Day. They write calligraphy, work on a painting, or produce a poem with their brush as a way to pray for good luck and fortune. Guan Liang, one of the earliest painters in China to embrace the principles of Western painting, specialized in both Chinese and Western art. He was adept at various artistic techniques ranging from oil painting to watercolors and colored ink. On New Years’ Day of 1972, Guan created his first work of the year—truly a holiday creation—with a theme of apples, which in Chinese can symbolize “being safe and sound”. In his early years, Guan travelled to Japan to study painting techniques. Under the influence of Impressionists and Matisse’s decorative style, Guan’s work exudes an elegant, classic, and childlike flavor.

This watercolor piece, entitled “New Year’s Day Blessings”, was originally in the collection of Shiy De-jinn. In the 1940s, Guan and Lin Fangmian both taught Shiy at the National Academy of Arts (Hangzhou National Academy of Art) in Chongqing, and they maintained a good relationship. During the 1970s, Shiy set off for Hong Kong at various times to work on his sketches and visit his teachers; at one point, he even made a guest appearance in a film. “New Year’s Day Blessings” is a work Shiy likely purchased during one of his visits to Hong Kong. He later gave the piece to one of his close friends, the present owner, around 1979.