Tang Yunyu (唐蕴玉)
Vital Information
- Name: Tang Yunyu (唐蕴玉)
- Born: Jiaji Village, Yongchun County, Fujian Province
- Occupation: Painter (Republican era, approximately 1910s-1940s)
- Children: Cousin Jimmy (full name to be documented)
- Notable: Shanghai house preserved with commemorative plaque
Significance
Tang Yunyu was a painter during the Republican era (民国时期) who achieved sufficient artistic distinction that her Shanghai residence has been preserved in perpetuity as a cultural heritage site. A plaque mounted outside the house identifies her as the reason for the building’s preservation, honoring her contributions to Chinese art.
Listed in Jiaji Village Notable Figures
Tang Yunyu is mentioned in the Taihai Magazine article about Jiaji Village as one of the village’s most distinguished natives:
“清朝进士、菲律宾侨领郑玉书、民国时期的画家唐蕴玉、东南亚面粉大王郑仓满、菲律宾金融界的龙头郑少坚，无不是各行各业的翘楚。”
“Qing Dynasty scholar Zheng Yushu, Philippine overseas Chinese leader; Republican-era painter Tang Yunyu; Southeast Asian Flour King Zheng Cangman; Philippine finance leader Zheng Shaojian — all shining examples of success in their respective fields.”
Family Connections
Mother of Cousin Jimmy
Tang Yunyu is the mother of “Cousin Jimmy,” who is connected to the Chan family through the Jiaji Village ancestral ties. The exact relationship needs to be documented, but the connection is confirmed through:
- Shared Jiaji Village ancestry
- Jesse Chan’s family connections to the village
- John Louis Chan’s recognition of the connection
Shanghai House Preservation
According to John Louis Chan:
“Tang Yun Yu is cousin Jimmy’s mom, on the house in Shanghai she is on the plaque mounted outside the house as the reason why the house is preserved in perpetuity.”
This preservation indicates:
- Significant artistic achievements during Republican era
- Recognition by Chinese cultural authorities
- Contribution to Shanghai’s cultural heritage
- House likely dates to early-to-mid 20th century
Historical Context
Republican Era Painter (1912-1949)
Tang Yunyu worked during China’s Republican era, a period of:
- Cultural transformation - blend of traditional Chinese and Western art
- Women artists - increasing opportunities for women in arts
- Shanghai art scene - cosmopolitan center of modern Chinese art
- Intellectual ferment - new artistic movements and styles
Shanghai Cultural Heritage
The preservation of her house suggests:
- Artistic merit - recognized contribution to Chinese painting
- Historical significance - representative of Republican-era culture
- Cultural policy - preservation of artists’ residences (similar to writers, scholars)
- Shanghai legacy - city’s history of protecting cultural sites
Art and Legacy
Painting Style (To Be Researched)
Questions about Tang Yunyu’s artistic work:
- What style of painting? (traditional Chinese, Western-influenced, modern?)
- Subject matter? (landscapes, portraits, flowers and birds?)
- Training and education?
- Exhibitions and recognition during lifetime?
- Surviving works in museums or collections?
House Preservation Details
Questions about the preserved house:
- Exact address in Shanghai?
- When was house built?
- When was preservation designation made?
- Can house be visited? Is it open to public?
- What does the commemorative plaque say exactly?
- Are any of her artworks displayed in the house?
Connection to Jiaji Village
Tang Yunyu exemplifies the Jiaji Village saying: “Jiaji people who go overseas become dragons” (夹际人出海成龙)
Like other notable figures from the village:
- Left village for opportunities (Shanghai)
- Achieved distinction in chosen field (painting)
- Brought honor to ancestral village
- Represents village’s culture of excellence
Jiaji Village’s Notable Figures
Tang Yunyu is listed alongside:
- Zheng Yushu (郑玉书) - Qing scholar, Philippine leader
- Tang Yunyu (唐蕴玉) - Republican painter
- Zheng Cangman (郑仓满) - Southeast Asian Flour King
- Zheng Shaojian (郑少坚) - Uncle George, Philippine finance leader
Relationship to Chan/Zheng Family
Surname Mystery
- Tang (唐) is her surname, not Zheng (郑)
- Possibilities:
- Married into village (husband was Zheng)
- Mother’s side from Jiaji, father’s side Tang
- Born Tang, achieved fame, returned to village
”Cousin Jimmy” Connection
The relationship between Tang Yunyu’s son (Cousin Jimmy) and Jesse Chan needs documentation:
- How is Jimmy related to Jesse? (cousin through which line?)
- Is Jimmy’s father a Zheng from Jiaji Village?
- Did Jimmy grow up in Shanghai in the preserved house?
- What is Jimmy’s relationship to John Louis Chan?
Research Priorities
High Priority
- Full name of “Cousin Jimmy” and exact relationship to Jesse Chan
- Exact address of preserved Shanghai house
- Tang Yunyu’s artistic style and known works
- Dates of birth and death
- Marriage and husband’s information
Medium Priority
- Exhibitions and recognition during lifetime
- Training and artistic education
- Other family members (besides Cousin Jimmy)
- When she moved from Jiaji to Shanghai
- Connection to other Jiaji Village emigrants
For Descendants
- Can the Shanghai house be visited by family members?
- Are there surviving artworks in family possession?
- Does Cousin Jimmy or his descendants have family records?
- Photos of Tang Yunyu or her artwork?
Timeline
| File | type | date | location |
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Sources
Notes
Significance for Family History
Tang Yunyu’s story adds an artistic dimension to the Jiaji Village legacy:
- While Zheng Shaojian (Uncle George) represents financial success
- And Zheng Cangman represents industrial achievement
- Tang Yunyu represents cultural and artistic excellence
Women’s Achievement
As a woman painter during the Republican era, Tang Yunyu’s achievements are particularly notable:
- Women artists faced significant barriers in early 20th century China
- Her work merited permanent preservation of her residence
- Represents opportunities opening for educated women
- Part of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan culture
Cultural Heritage Preservation
The preservation of Tang Yunyu’s house demonstrates:
- Chinese cultural policy - protecting artists’ legacies
- Shanghai’s role - preserving Republican-era heritage
- Artistic recognition - her work deemed culturally significant
- Family pride - John Louis Chan knows this family connection
Connection to Loui Family
Through Jesse Chan’s connection to Jiaji Village:
- Tang Yunyu is part of extended Zheng/Chan family network
- Her son (Cousin Jimmy) is family connection
- Nicholas, Ryan, and Samantha Loui’s great-great-aunt (or similar relation)
- Represents artistic excellence in family lineage
Tang Yunyu exemplifies Jiaji Village’s tradition of excellence, achieving distinction as a Republican-era painter whose Shanghai house is preserved as cultural heritage. Her connection to the Chan family through Cousin Jimmy links the Loui family to China’s artistic and cultural history.