61.

Yan Han (1916-2011)

Deputy-Commander of the Eighth Route Army, Peng Dehuai, Directing from the Front Line

1941

Woodblock print

22 x 16 cm

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Originally a painter, Yan Han studied woodblock printmaking at the Lu Xun Academy at Yan’an. He also spent time in the Taihang Mountain Anti-Japanese Base Area, and his inscription notes that this print was cut there, behind enemy lines. Such portrait prints were rare in wartime – highly detailed, expertly shaded and very expressive of individual character. Peng Dehuai (1898-1974) was one of China’s most powerful generals until he was purged by Chairman Mao in 1959 and only rehabilitated posthumously.

Muban Educational Trust registration number yanhv059