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Hi all,

I have an accordion-style album of Chinese watercolor paintings, all depicting architectural studies, with the front labeled “Shi Hu.” In researching the name, I found Hu Shi (1891–1962), who is primarily known as an academic and writer with some calligraphy work, but I haven’t been able to locate any examples that match the style or seals in this album. I also came across Shi Hu (born 1942), though the painting style and seals do not seem consistent with his known works. There is limited additional information—the same seals appear on every page, and there are no other identifying marks—but since the other album labels in the collection have been accurate, I’m inclined to think “Shi Hu” is at least partially correct; any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Chelsea

Signature,
石壺　Shí Hú
Upper seal,
子莊　Zĭzhŭang
Lower seal,
石壺之印　Seal of Shí Hú

Shí Hú 石壺 1913-1976
Chen Zichuang 陳子莊　(Pseudonym: Shí Hú ) b. Yongchuan, Sichuan province. Gouhua painter. Began in Gongbi style. In his early sixties, under the influence of Huang Binhong and Qi Baishi, changed to Xieyi style.Teacher in Chengdu Normal University. During Cultural Revolution, Jiang Qing's friend Zhu Peijun prevented him from taking part in artistic functions and reduced him to utter poverty.
(Michael Sullivan: Modern Chinese Artists p.22)

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?src=11×tamp=1775907288&ver=6654&signature=0BZBToO6ijQkCma0gPwrm37J6vqqvSnXBb0m0YeeBIwYo2QkTCgEAEArfqAkBXq6yfLj0rTdyu0XwPdaHEVRijTs71K0QfxAVLq1f0*A7eRwj1P3zHo9N-26uy2HFIpC&new=1

Chinese names cannot be identified
without knowing their original Chinese characters.
Not to mention that in English transcriptions, it’s often impossible to tell whether the surname or the given name comes first
Shi Hu 石虎　1942-　　Guhua painter
Hu Shi 胡適　1891-1962　　Original proponent of writing in colloquial Chinese　-　calligrapher

With regards,
I.Nagy

You are right that your artist is neither of the individuals you mention. 石壺 may simply be a pseudonym; it literally means "stone teapot". The images look like building entries that one might find in Beijing in older neighborhoods, relatively few of which are left. a further clue about the painter's identity is the first seal, which I am not confident reading but I. Nagy has more expertise in this archaic script. the pictures probably were painted no earlier than the 1990 or so.

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