Eng_Sotheby's HK_Spring 2013 Fine Chin Paintings

7/29/2019 Eng_Sotheby's HK_Spring 2013 Fine Chin Paintings

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Press ReleasePress ReleasePress ReleasePress Release Hong KonHong KonHong KonHong Kongggg ForForForFor Immediate ReleaseImmediate ReleaseImmediate ReleaseImmediate ReleaseHong KongHong KongHong KongHong Kong | Winnie Tang | +852 2822 8129 | [email protected] |

Cecilia Leung | +852 2822 5509 | [email protected]

SOTHEBYS HONG KONG TO PRESENTFINE CHINESE PAINTINGS SPRING SALE 2013 ON 5 APRIL

- Highlighting The Reappearance Of Quintessential Works AtSothebys Hong Kong, Including Ding Yanyongs Crane On The Wait For Flight,

and Tao Lengyues Narcissus

- Featuring Fresh-to-the-Market Works ByProminent Modern Chinese Artists Including Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi,

Lin Fengmian, Huang Binhong and Wu Changshuo

- Introducing An Ensemble Of Late Qing and Early 20th CenturyCalligraphy and Fan Paintings -

Hong Kong,Hong Kong,Hong Kong,Hong Kong, MarchMarchMarchMarch 2012012012013333 Sothebys Hong Kong will present its

Fine Chinese Paintings Spring Sale 2013Fine Chinese Paintings Spring Sale 2013Fine Chinese Paintings Spring Sale 2013Fine Chinese Paintings Spring Sale 2013 on 5 April5 April5 April5 April at Hall 5, Hong

Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This sale will feature exquisite

paintings executed at different stages of the artistic careers of such

modern Chinese artists as Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong,Wu Changshuo, Lin Fengmian, etc., many of which amassed from

prestigious collections and are fresh to the market. Offering over 300over 300over 300over 300

lotslotslotslots, the sale is expected to fetch in excess of HK$130 million /in excess of HK$130 million /in excess of HK$130 million /in excess of HK$130 million /

US$16.6 millionUS$16.6 millionUS$16.6 millionUS$16.6 million*.

C.K. Cheung, Head of Sotheby's Fine Chinese PaintingsC.K. Cheung, Head of Sotheby's Fine Chinese PaintingsC.K. Cheung, Head of Sotheby's Fine Chinese PaintingsC.K. Cheung, Head of Sotheby's Fine Chinese Paintings

DepartmentDepartmentDepartmentDepartment, said: Commemorating our 40th Anniversary in Hong

Kong, Sothebys is proud to reassemble some of the most outstanding

works sold at our past auctions, including Ding Yanyongs Crane in the

Wait for Flight and a four-panel painting, Narcissus, by Tao Lengyue.

The former was previously sold at Sothebys legendary Special Sale of

Paintings and Calligraphy by Ding Yanyong - The Great Master in 1998

the first dedicated sale held by an international auction house for an

established Hong Kong-based Chinese ink painting artist. It is one of the largest works ever painted by Ding and was

created for an important art exhibition held by Nanga Society of Japan. As for Taos Narcissus, it was entrusted to

Sothebys by the artists family in 2001, and we are delighted to offer this exceptional piece again on our 40th

Anniversary.


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Also noteworthy is an ensemble of late Qing and early 20 th Century calligraphy and fan paintings, which include

the collections from renowned Shanghai collector Qian Jintang and Hong Kong collector Liang Jinyu respectively.

Celebrated for its thematic focus, the former collection features immaculate fan paintings by three masters of the

genre, including Wu Changshuo, Zhao Zhiqian and Ren Yi. Among the works in Liang Jingyus collection, on the

other hand, many were personal gifts from the artists to the collector. Calligraphies by Qian Mu, Rao Zongyi,

Deng Erya and Feng Kanghou from the collection will be on offer. The appeal of these works with noble quality is

likely to set off intense bidding at the auction.

SALES HIGHLIGHTSSALES HIGHLIGHTSSALES HIGHLIGHTSSALES HIGHLIGHTS

Composed in fine Gongbibrush technique, ZhangZhangZhangZhang DaqianDaqianDaqianDaqians The Drunken DanceThe Drunken DanceThe Drunken DanceThe Drunken Dance

(Est. HK$7(Est. HK$7(Est. HK$7(Est. HK$7 9 million / US$900,0009 million / US$900,0009 million / US$900,0009 million / US$900,000 1.2 million)1.2 million)1.2 million)1.2 million) was executed in 1951,

during the artists short stay in Hong Kong after returning from his temporary abode

in Darjeeling, India. In early 1940s, Zhang travelled to Xining, the capital city of

Qinghai province, during his painting trip in Dunhuang, where he assiduously copied

the ancient wall murals inside the Dunhuang caves. During his sojourn at the

Kumbum Monastery in Xining, he executed a large number of sketches, mostlybased on his observations of the daily life of the local ethnic minorities. The indelible

influences of this period can be seen in the current work.

Rendered accurately in every detail, the costume worn by the foreign female dancer

is adorned with ethnic features, from fur-lined collar to cuffs and lapel, all designed

for ceremonial functions. Sporting a long braid tied with a colourful ribbon, the

dancer is also bedecked with a leather headgear, pointed Tibetan boots and a sash

around her waist. Zhangs depiction of the dancers appearance, from her facial

expressions to hand gestures and choice of colours, points to the profound inspiration he draws from the art of the

Dunhuang cave paintings, tempered with a touch of his own artistic ingenuity.

Shortly upon its completion, this painting was brought overseas by its current owner until it returned to Hong Kong

some years ago, looking as pristine as new.

Harmony ofHarmony ofHarmony ofHarmony of StringsStringsStringsStrings (Est. HK$1.2(Est. HK$1.2(Est. HK$1.2(Est. HK$1.2 1.8 million / US$150,0001.8 million / US$150,0001.8 million / US$150,0001.8 million / US$150,000 230,000)230,000)230,000)230,000)

is a portrait by Jiang ZhaoheJiang ZhaoheJiang ZhaoheJiang Zhaohe for his close friend Jiang Fengzhi, one of the

greatest erhu musicians of his times. In the social circle of Beijing, both Jiangs

maintained a deep friendship with Jiang Hancheng, a medical photographer, and

the trio was known as the Three Jiangs.

Executed in 1939, Harmony of Strings was subsequently included in Paintings by

Jiang Zhaohe Vol. 1, a drawing album featuring 41 paintings published by the

artist himself, despite his financial lack. As the artists most representative works,

they were all executed in the late 1930s, which attest to the hardship experienced

by the populace in an era of war and social upheaval.


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Harmony of Strings bears silent testament to the enduring friendship between the artist and Jiang Fengzhi, the

musician, alongside their mutual passion for the arts and the resilience they shared during the Japanese

occupation. It is a great privilege for Sothebys Hong Kong to bring such an important piece from overseas and

present it at auction in its 40th Anniversary year.

Another highlight of the sale is Ding YanyongDing YanyongDing YanyongDing Yanyongs Crane on the Wait for FlightCrane on the Wait for FlightCrane on the Wait for FlightCrane on the Wait for Flight

(Est. HK$1.6(Est. HK$1.6(Est. HK$1.6(Est. HK$1.6 2.2 million / US$210,0002.2 million / US$210,0002.2 million / US$210,0002.2 million / US$210,000 280,000)280,000)280,000)280,000), a monumental work

of over three metres in height, one of the largest ever by the artist. It was created

for the XVI Annual Exhibition of the Nanga Society, Japan, in 1976. A gigantic

paper scroll was specially arranged by the then director of the revered Nihon

Syunzyuu Syogeiin to be shipped from Japan for Ding to complete the painting.

Its centerpiece is an orchid tree, reaching for the heavens with its sturdy stem and

entangling branches and flowers blooming in exuberance. Standing beside it is a

white crane, which stretches its neck to study a jet-black butterfly hovering around

the plant with concentration.

Ding Yanyong devoted himself to a lifelong pursuit for the unfettered freedom to

exercise his artistic creativity. Though long confined to a shoebox dwelling, the painter was able to rise above the

limitations around him to convey a magnanimous vision and optimistic attitude through his works.

Tao LengyueTao LengyueTao LengyueTao Lengyues NarcissusNarcissusNarcissusNarcissus (Est. HK$500,000(Est. HK$500,000(Est. HK$500,000(Est. HK$500,000 700,000 / US$64,000700,000 / US$64,000700,000 / US$64,000700,000 / US$64,000 90,000)90,000)90,000)90,000) comes previously

from the Collection of Madame Tao Xue Changwen, the artists spouse. Like her husband, Madame Tao was

nonchalant to the lure of fame and materialism but she was fervently dedicated to promoting his art. Thanks to her

generosity, a number of Taos works were donated to museums around the world. Even in her nineties, she

instructed her children to entrust her treasured collection of his paintings to Sothebys in the hope they would

ultimately find the ownership befitting their stature. This April, Sothebys is delighted to offer this monumental

painting once again in the market, providing their admirers an unprecedented glimpse into the greatness of Taosartistry, as with the final wish of his late wife.

The painting was executed in 1943, with reference to the artists hand-written manuscripts. Originally, it was

comprised of four paper panels that reveal a painting in full when unfolded - a very rare format in the artists oeuvre.

Inspired by a narcissus motif, this work is distinguished by a dense composition, where overlapping flowers accented

with lush greens are delineated in an orderly fashion. Some of these blossoms and leaves can be seen dancing to the

movement of an unseen breeze. The painters meticulous Chinese ink painting techniques is complemented by the

use of vivid colours to capture the magnificence of the nature.


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Completed during the second Sino-Japanese War in 1940s, its focus on the untainted, pristine beauty of narcissus

evokes the artists unbending patriotism in the face of his motherlands occupation by the enemies.

Lin FengmianLin FengmianLin FengmianLin Fengmians The Fiery Battle of Red CliffsThe Fiery Battle of Red CliffsThe Fiery Battle of Red CliffsThe Fiery Battle of Red Cliffs (Est. HK$3(Est. HK$3(Est. HK$3(Est. HK$3 5 million /5 million /5 million /5 million /

US$380,000US$380,000US$380,000US$380,000 640,000)640,000)640,000)640,000) was created in 1984 and selected as a

participating entry by the artist for the Exhibition of Lin Fengmians Works

held in Taipei in 1989. Since then, it has been kept in Ms. Feng Yehs

private collection and never been seen in the market.

It was in his advanced years that Lin revisited the historical motif of the

famous battle to produce this painting, widely deemed as one of his finest

that closes an illustrious artistic career. The Fiery Battle of Red Cliffs may be

akin to similarly themed works in composition and artistic approach. Marking

a radical departure, though, is the artists use of opera-like masks in reference to the historical characters. Half

obscured amid the fiery flames and billowing smoke, the personas are portrayed in bodiless form. Taking this semi-

abstract approach further, the painter emphasises the protagonists facial expressions to highlight the dramatic

tensions of the story narrated.

Works byWorks byWorks byWorks by 20202020 thththth Century Modern Chinese Ink ArtistsCentury Modern Chinese Ink ArtistsCentury Modern Chinese Ink ArtistsCentury Modern Chinese Ink Artists

Besides the masterpieces of early 20th century artists and calligraphers, the Spring auction will also present a range of

highly acclaimed works by modern Chinese ink artists from the same period, such as Zhou Sicong, Jia Youfu and Liu

Guosong. Among all the salient works on offer, Autumn Landscape After Du Fus PoemAutumn Landscape After Du Fus PoemAutumn Landscape After Du Fus PoemAutumn Landscape After Du Fus Poem,,,, a magnificent work

spanning a length of nine feet, as well as Marshall GardenMarshall GardenMarshall GardenMarshall Garden, were specially created by Tang Zheming and Liu Yongrespectively to commemorate Sothebys 40th Anniversary in Hong Kong.

Exquisite Fan Leaf PaintingsExquisite Fan Leaf PaintingsExquisite Fan Leaf PaintingsExquisite Fan Leaf Paintings FFFFrom the Collection of Qian Jingtangrom the Collection of Qian Jingtangrom the Collection of Qian Jingtangrom the Collection of Qian Jingtang

Zhao Zhiqian (1829Zhao Zhiqian (1829Zhao Zhiqian (1829Zhao Zhiqian (1829 ---- 1884)1884)1884)1884)Plum Blossoms In SpringPlum Blossoms In SpringPlum Blossoms In SpringPlum Blossoms In Spring

Executed in 1872Ink and colour on paper, fan leaf, framed18.5 x 50 cmEst. HK$500,000-700,000 / US$64,000 90,000

Calligraphy &Calligraphy &Calligraphy &Calligraphy & Folding Fans from the Collection of Liang JingyuFolding Fans from the Collection of Liang JingyuFolding Fans from the Collection of Liang JingyuFolding Fans from the Collection of Liang Jingyu

Qian Mu (1895Qian Mu (1895Qian Mu (1895Qian Mu (1895----1990)1990)1990)1990)Calligraphy In KaishuCalligraphy In KaishuCalligraphy In KaishuCalligraphy In Kaishu

Executed in 1956Ink on paper, hanging Scroll111.3 x 37.3 cmEst. HK$50,000-70,000 / US$6,400 9,000


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Notes to EditorNotes to EditorNotes to EditorNotes to Editor

I)I)I)I) Sotheby's Hong Kong Spring Sales 20Sotheby's Hong Kong Spring Sales 20Sotheby's Hong Kong Spring Sales 20Sotheby's Hong Kong Spring Sales 2013131313 CalendarCalendarCalendarCalendar (The schedule is subject to change)AuctionAuctionAuctionAuction CategoryCategoryCategoryCategory

3 Apr The elBulliCellar sold to benefit the elBulliFoundation

The Classic Cellar from a Great American Collector 11

4 Apr Finest and Rarest Wines Including Wines Direct from Bodegas Vega Sicilia

5 Apr Fine Chinese PaintingsYou Are Not Alone - Yoshitomo Nara Works from the Kurokochi CollectionIn Transition The Didier Hirsch Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art from 1990sContemporary Asian Art

6 Apr Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings20th Century Chinese Art

7 Apr Important Watches

8 Apr Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of ArtA Magnificent Falangcai Bowl from the Collection of Dr. Alice ChengWater, Pine And Stone Retreat Collection, Scholarly Art IIIThe Meiyintang Collection, Part V An Important Selection of Imperial Chinese PorcelainsMagnificent Jewels and Jadeite

Hong Kong Exhibition and Auction VenueHong Kong Exhibition and Auction VenueHong Kong Exhibition and Auction VenueHong Kong Exhibition and Auction VenueHall 5, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing)1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

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Sothebys has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sothebys became the first internationalauction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) andFrance (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sothebys presents auctions in 10different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sothebys BIDnow program allows visitors toview all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. Sothebys offers collectors the resources of SothebysFinancial Services, the worlds only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby's Contemporary Art department, and two retail businesses, SothebysDiamonds and Sothebys Wine. Sothebys has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listedon the New York Stock Exchange (BID).

*Estimates do not include buyers premium and prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyers premium.

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Eng_Sotheby's HK_Spring 2013 Fine Chin Paintings