Signature
Signed HUANG Chun-pi in Chinese
With three seals of the artist and one seal of the collector
PROVENANCE
Christie's Hong Kong, 26 April, 1998, Lot 172
Acquired from the above by the present owner
+ OVERVIEW
Huang Chun-pi was trained under Li Yao of the Lingnan School to practise western paintings, followed by traditional Chinese ink paintings. Landscape works are well sought after, especially those of waterfalls and misty landscapes. Both Chinese and Western painting techniques are superbly incorporated in this work. Swift strokes were applied with confidence. Three layers of structures could be found in this work with a sketch of mountains in the middle ground. Lofty cliffs and rugged hills create a balance of fragility and sturdiness. Short cun and dots were added to the cliff highlighted with soft layers of ink and ochres, depicting the texture of rocks. A myriad of skills was used to depict the forest by saturated dots of ink and red, highlighting an autumnal scene. Two cliffs open up to a waterfall depicted with shaking strokes and v-shaped lines. As water falls, it merges with the misty clouds gleaming with grandeur. Dark outlines and light ochre were used for the distant hills, while light gray was used to depict the shadow of distant clouds. Such light depiction forms a refreshing scenery. A house hides among the clouds in a utopian mountainous surrounding. Inside the house sit two scholars appreciating the scenery, forming a secluded and relaxing scene. By the depiction of misty waterfall landscape, the artist hinted at his wish for tranquility.