Lot 25
Appreciating the Flowers
ZHU Xinjian (Chinese, 1953 - 2014)
1991
Mounted scroll, ink and color on paper
47 x 56.5 cm
Estimate
TWD 164,000-215,000
HKD 42,000-55,000
USD 5,400-7,100
Sold Price
TWD 1,116,279
HKD 288,000
USD 37,161
Signature
+ OVERVIEW
This painting applies a single-figure composition to portray the charming nature of the curvaceous female form. The woman's leaning pose proffers subtle, flowing curves that highlight the femininity of the subject. The artist leaves ample space in the background and uses simple strokes to accentuate
the subject matter. The cheerful, and eager looking woman leans against a tree
branch while gazing out over her shoulder, visually expanding the space of the
piece. The look in her eyes seems to reveal the artist's restless mind.
The composition of this piece in particular is especially atypical; the slightly slanted perspective brings out a heightened sense of agility even as the artist deftly maintains a clever balance, generating a strong sense of harmony and rhythm. The woman's braided hair on the left is set off by the tree branches extending to the right; similarly, the title of the art on the right Appreciating the Flowers complements the artist's signature on the left da feng xinjian, dated 91, inscribed visiting Beijing. The rough-to-fine calligraphy strokes and thin-to-bold inky lines also exhibit balanced and playful simplicity, with the tree branches painted in a way that doubly reflects the inherent beauty of calligraphy. The thickness of the branches imitates the flow of calligraphy and stands in contrast to the delicate strokes that define the woman's curves, revealing a captivating and distinctive scene that gently enthralls the viewer.
Modern & Contemporary Art
Ravenel Spring Auction 2014 Hong Kong
Sunday, May 25, 2014, 6:00pm