Madame Song, born in 1937 in China, graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing and was married to Bulgarian artist Maryn Varbonov. A trailblazer in cultural exchange, she was the first to introduce the French fashion house Pierre Cardin to China and managed the legendary Maxim’s restaurant in Beijing, leveraging her vast network to bridge Eastern and Western cultures.

Madame Song and T’ang Haywen shared a mutual connection through their involvement in the Parisian art world. With her extensive influence and network, she played a pivotal role in introducing T’ang to prominent artists, collectors, and cultural figures, including Zao Wou-Ki and Yonfan. In 1970, when T’ang drove from Paris to visit Bulgaria, Madame Song and Varbanov welcomed him in Sofia, showing him around the city. This marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between them.