China 1893 Xu Minggao Print Learning Martial Arts with Master Haiouzi

Description

This China 1893 Xu Minggao print depicts the young hero paying respect to Master Haiouzi and entering his teaching. An antique Chinese colour print from an old collection, it combines richly patterned costumes with an ornamental garden setting and inscriptions identifying the characters.

The sheet measures 26.2 × 25.5 cm, while the image measures 22.7 × 24.2 cm. Its almost square format gives the three figures a prominent position within the composition. Bright red, yellow, blue and green passages contrast with the warm tone of the paper.

Xu Minggao and his master

The Chinese title reads 徐鳴皋拜師學藝. It describes Xu Minggao acknowledging a master and learning his art. The subject belongs to the narrative world of Seven Swords and Thirteen Heroes, also known as 七劍十三俠.

At the left stands Haiouzi, whose name appears beside his figure. He wears a long patterned robe and a tall hat, with a dark beard extending down his chest. In one hand he holds a fly whisk, its pale fibres curving above the figures.

Xu Minggao stands at the centre in a vivid red costume decorated with flowing motifs. His elaborate headdress and the long ornamented panels of his clothing make him the most colourful figure in the scene. His joined hands express respect towards the teacher.

Xu Qing appears at the right, wearing a yellow garment with red circular motifs. One arm is raised beside the ornamental rock. The inscriptions allow these figures to be identified individually, adding narrative interest to the image.

A decorative garden setting

The scene takes place beside a balustrade that runs diagonally through the composition. Beyond it, a stretch of water leads towards low hills in the distance. This open background contrasts with the more densely arranged foreground.

A small roofed structure occupies the upper left corner. On the opposite side, broad banana leaves rise above rocks and flowering branches. These elements create a garden setting that frames the meeting without overwhelming the figures.

The decorative rocks, patterned railings and carefully drawn plants provide numerous details to explore. Their forms also balance the large areas of colour in the costumes, giving the print interest across the entire surface.

Costume and storytelling

The figures are presented with expressive gestures and elaborate clothing that evoke Chinese theatrical imagery. Patterned sleeves, long costume panels and ornate headwear contribute to the character of the scene.

Rather than showing combat, the image concentrates on the relationship between teacher and pupil. The greeting and the master’s response form the centre of the narrative. This makes the subject particularly appealing for a collection concerned with martial arts traditions, heroic literature or the visual representation of learning.

The strong outlines make the details legible, while the contrasting colours distinguish each figure. The red costume of Xu Minggao stands out against the green ground and the cooler tones of the water behind him.

Date and provenance

This China 1893 Xu Minggao print comes from an old collection and is offered with the date 1893. It is described as a colour print on paper. The Chinese inscriptions are integral to the composition and identify both the subject and the principal characters.

The photographs show the front and reverse of the individual sheet offered. The image is visible through the paper on the reverse, where scattered surface marks can also be seen.

Condition and dimensions

The paper shows age toning, small scattered spots and marks, with creases and handling wrinkles. A dark vertical mark is visible in the upper right area. The colours remain distinct and visually strong. Please examine both photographs for the condition of the margins, corners and printed surface.

Origin: China.
Date: 1893.
Subject: Xu Minggao becoming a pupil of Master Haiouzi.
Other figure: Xu Qing.
Medium: colour print on paper.
Provenance: old collection.
Sheet dimensions: 26.2 × 25.5 cm.
Image dimensions: 22.7 × 24.2 cm.

This China 1893 Xu Minggao print brings together a recognisable literary subject, expressive figures and a richly decorated garden scene.