A Preliminary Study of Yu Lianke's Artistic Activities

The value of Yu Lianke's collection is so great that it would make collectors from all over the world envious.His inscriptions on ancient books and fine editions reveal not only his profound scholarship but also his delicate and sensitive emotional side. It is often said that he “made his name through his calligraphy,” but in the successive calligraphy and painting exhibitions of the “Manchukuo,” he rarely showed his calligraphy, instead achieving remarkable success in painting. Precisely for this reason,the second-anniversary commemorative issue of the magazine “Qilin” commented as follows: “The multi-talented Mr.Yu Lianke,a veteran of the literary world, a master of the painting world, and a famous player in the chrysanthemum world—those who pay attention to the literary, painting, and chrysanthemum circles would surely know Mr. Yu Lianke!” In the field of photography, he also demonstrated extraordinary talent.From his advocacy for the establishment of a “photography team of Manchukuo” and the photos he published in local chronicles in 1928, it can be seen that his photography had already reached a proficient level in the 1920s. Judging from his activities in collection and appraisal, Yu Lianke had a unique ability to discern treasures. Especially after the end of the War of Resistance Against Japan, with his identification and assistance, a large number of national treasure-level calligraphy, paintings, and ancient books were able to return to the Northeast Museum, making a significant contribution to preventing the loss of cultural treasures in New China. His participation in and review activities at the “National Exhibition” have become an important part of the history of painting in Northeast China and have provided valuable historical materials for future research on the history of Northeastern fine arts.In terms of literature,his extensive creations in novels, drama reviews, poetry, and translation prove that he is truly a man of letters.