Adam Shen Xu Dong/沈旭东 （ b.1965)
Hundred Cranes
百鹤图
Chinese Ink on Rice Paper/宣纸水墨画
183 x 98 cm
This masterful Chinese ink painting, Hundred Cranes is a breathtaking tableau that showcases 128 red-crowned cranes. Shen painted each crane in a unique posture—soaring, preening, calling, perching, or gathering—showing his exceptional skill in capturing movement, expression, and character from countless angles and perspectives. Some cranes gather in their herds as families, others fly off into the vast sky above.
The composition is framed by an ancient, gnarled Pine Tree, which in traditional Chinese culture, the pine tree is known to live for a thousand years, revered for its longevity, endurance and vitality, often associated with the ability to thrive even in harsh conditions. Its twisting golden branches and lush green needles offering a dynamic structure that supports the gathering of cranes. In addition, the red-crowned crane (丹顶鹤) is a revered creature representing longevity, nobility, and spiritual transcendence. Traditionally believed to also live for a thousand years, cranes are often associated with immortality and are seen as messengers of harmony and peace.
By painting 128 individual cranes—each distinct in gesture and gaze—Shen not only amplifies the theme of abundance and harmony but also elevates the traditional motif of “hundred cranes” (百鹤图) into a celebration of diversity and life itself, blending natural beauty with auspicious symbolism.
Artist Description
Adam Shen Xudong 沈旭东: A Renowned Master of Ink Painting and Calligraphy
Adam Shen Xudong, (b. 1965), is the founder of Sims Arts Academy Pte. Ltd. in Singapore. Together with his family, he established Sims Galleria to promote high art forms such as Chinese ink painting and calligraphy, which have garnered widespread admiration from the public.
Born in Shantou City (Swatow), Adam hails from a family with a long tradition in painting and calligraphy. His grandfather was a peranakan from Southeast Asia, with his influence, Adam began learning calligraphy and painting at a young age, eventually studying under renowned art masters.
He further honed his skills at the China Academy of Art, where he developed profound traditional techniques in landscape, bird-and-flower and figure painting.
Adam holds several esteemed positions in the art world: he is a director of the Chinese Artists Association, Chinese Calligraphers Association, the Shantou Overseas Friendship Association and a member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. His works are highly prized by collectors across Southeast Asia, Europe, and America.
SIMS GALLERIA 