Press Release Hong Kong
Immediate Release
Hong Kong | Esme Chau | +852 2822 8143 | [email protected] | New York | Dan Abernethy | +1 212 606 7176 |
[email protected] | London | Matthew Floris | +44 (0)20 7293 6000 | [email protected]
SOTHEBY’S HONG KONG TO PRESENT
FINE CHINESE PAINTINGS
SPRING SALE 2015 ON 6 APRIL
Zhang Daqian’s Ancient Temple in the Mist, 1978, splashed ink and colour on paper, framed, 70.9 x 138.5 cm.
Est. HK$18 – 25 million / US$2.3 – 3.2 million.
HIGHLIGHTS
Two spectacular splashed-ink-and-colour paintings by
Zhang Daqian from the 1960s and ‘70s,
Blossoming Lotus and Ancient Temple in the Mist
Fresh-to-market prominent works from family collections,
including Zhang Daqian, Li Yanshan, Yuan Shikai and
Guangdong book collector Mo Boji
Hong Kong Public Exhibition: 2 – 5 April
Hong Kong, 18 March 2015 Sotheby’s Hong Kong Fine Chinese Paintings Spring Sale will be held on
6 April in Hall 5, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Offering more than 300 paintings by
modern Chinese artists, the sale is estimated in excess of HK$180 million / US$23 million*. Highlights
include fresh-to-market works from the family collections of Zhang Daqian, Li Yanshan and Yuan Shikai, as
well as Guangdong book collector Mo Boji.
C.K. Cheung, Head of Chinese Paintings Department, Sotheby’s, says, “This Spring, Sotheby’s continues
to leverage our unrivalled global network to assemble outstanding works from important private collections
worldwide, including the family collections of several artists—all coming to auction for the very first time.
Star lots of the sale include Zhang Daqian’s 1960s and ‘70s pioneering splash-ink-and-colour works,
Blossoming Lotus and Ancient Temple in the Mist, as well as his 1950s gongbi brushwork painting, Riding in
the Autumn Countryside. We are delighted to bring together both traditional and innovative works by this
modern master on one single occasion.”
“Fourteen paintings by Lin Fengmian—sourced from multiple private collections in Europe as well as
collections of the artist’s friends in Hong Kong—cover a wide range of subject matters, from figures to
theatrical figures, flowers and animals. Nearly 20 four-panel calligraphic works from multiple collectors by
acclaimed artists from the mid-Qing period to the 20th century, including Yi Bingshou and Liang Qichao,
showcase distinctive script styles such as seal, clerical, semi-cursive and regular scripts.”
SALE HIGHLIGHTS
Paintings from the Li Yanshan Family Collection
Compared to other modern Guangdong artists, Li Yanshan led a quiet life
after relocating to Hong Kong. He maintained close relationships with
local major painting connoisseurs, and was often invited to authenticate
their collection and paintings, thus his paintings were much influenced by
the works he viewed. Since he passed away in the early sixties, there
have been only two public exhibitions of his works. This spring,
Sotheby’s is honoured to showcase five paintings dating from the 1930s
to ‘50s from his family collection. These works feature landscape, pine
trees, and bamboo in sometimes elaborate, other times simple,
compositions. Li’s deft brush strokes of varying style—extensive and
calm, or clean and light—are admired by viewers and artists alike.
Li Yanshan (1898 – 1961)
Bamboo and Rock
Ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll
150.4 x 63.8 cm
Est. HK$ 250,000 – 350,000 / US$32,000 – 45,000
Bamboo, a Chinese symbol of integrity, tenacity and uprightness, was a
well-loved motif frequently employed by Li, most often in black or red
ink. Bamboo and Rock, employing the “double hook” technique in
verdant green hues, is a rare work of the highest calibre.
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Paintings and Calligraphy Works from the Mo Boji Family Collection
Widely recognised as the largest in Guangdong Province, the Mo Boji book collection boasted, at its peak, more
than 500,000 ancient titles collected over 34 years. Mo Boji (1878 – 1958) was a wealthy merchant who
established a western pharmacy in Guangzhou. Influenced by his father – an expert on Song Dynasty literature
and an avid collector of books by notable figures of the Song and Yuan (1271 – 1368) dynasties – Mo
developed a deep interest in Chinese classical studies. This collection of works comprises of paintings and
calligraphy which were directly dedicated to him and his family, and calligraphy couplets from Qing dynasty
scholars and minsters.
Huang Binhong (1865 – 1955)
Studio Amid the Mountains
1946
Ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll
117.5 x 52.8 cm
Est. HK$3.5 – 5 million / US$450,000 – 640,000
In 1941, Mo Boji fled to Hong Kong to escape the Second World War,
subsequently moving to Macau where he became the neighbour of collector
Wu Ming. Sharing a medical background and a passion for collecting, Mo
and Wu became close friends; soon, Wu, an ardent supporter of Huang
Binghong, introduced Mo to the artist.
In Beijing, Huang came across works by artists of earlier periods, inspiring
him to incorporate traditional techniques into his own paintings. A 1946 book
to which Huang often referred suggested that a painting required 50 to 60
applications before it could be presented for viewing; it even prescribed
specific periods of time to complete certain elements of the piece (“five days
to depict water, ten to complete a rock”). Applying techniques of the
northern Song dynasty, Huang adopted calm brush strokes and thick ink
colours and waited weeks for the ink to be fully absorbed by the paper before painting further. Under this
approach, Huang’s paintings developed a richness of ink and a solid strength of brushwork. Studio Amid the
Mountains is one such work, featuring black ink mixed with green, saffron and ochre tones to stunningly depict
an autumn lake and foliage scene.
Paintings & Calligraphy from the Yuan Shikai Family Collection
Sotheby’s is pleased to present seven works from the collection of Yuan Ke’an (1906 – 1967). Eleventh son of
Yuan Shikai, an influential politician and militarist in modern Chinese history, Yuan Ke’an has cultivated a
deep profound knowledge of Chinese studies, in particular literature and the arts, including Kunqu opera. His
unique collection comprises small-format works including Xu Beihong’s Ducks, Dong Zuobin’s Calligraphy
Couplet in Jiaguwen, as well as Wu Dacheng’s Calligraphy Couplet in Zhuanshu, a precious gift that was
presented to Yuan Shikai by the artist. Appearing at auction for the first time, this calligraphy work not only
testifies the friendship between Yuan Shikai and Wu Dacheng, but also carries significant historical value.
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Wu Dacheng (1835 – 1902)
Calligraphy Couplet in Zhuanshu
1885
Ink on paper, pair of hanging scrolls
Each: 164.5 x 43.8 cm
Est. HK$300,000 – 500,000 / US$38,000 – 64,000
Calligraphy Couplet in Zhuanshu was completed in February
1885. At that time, Yuan Shikai was serving in the armed forces
stationed in Korea, where his work in the aftermath of a
Japanese-supported coup faced harsh criticism. Using his
mother’s sickness as an excuse, Yuan returned to China with
Wu Dacheng, who had been assigned to Korea to handle the
situation. Wu’s view of Yuan was obvious, as expressed in the
couplet, which employs the dual meanings of “loyal statesman”
and “dutiful son”. Eventually, the devoted friends became
family when Wu’s sixth daughter married Yuan’s eldest son.
This couplet was painstakingly preserved in Yuan’s home and
ultimately passed to his eleventh son, Yuan Ke’an.
Splashed Ink-and Colour Paintings and Other Works by Zhang Daqian
A gift from Zhang Daqian to USbased friends who were also
Sichuan natives
Zhang Daqian (1899 – 1983)
Blossoming Lotus
1965
Splashed ink and colour on paper,
framed
91.2 x 160.5 cm
Est. HK$10 – 15 million /
US$1.3 – 1.9 million
In the early 1960s, Zhang Daqian pioneered his unique splash-ink-and-colour technique. Characterised by an
unrestrained and instinctive approach echoing Western models of abstractionism, Zhang’s experimental style
was showcased in exhibitions held in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is especially prevalent in
this depiction of the lotus flower, in which overlapping leaves and the blossoms fill the canvas, brush strokes
are wide-ranging and inks mix, demonstrating the artist’s immense energy and momentum.
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Zhang Daqian (1899 – 1983)
Ancient Temple in the Mist
1978
Splashed ink and colour on paper,
framed
70.9 x 138.5 cm
Est. HK$18 – 25 million /
US$2.3 – 3.2 million
Zhang Daqian settled permanently in
Taiwan in 1978. Ancient Temple in the
Mist was painted at the request of Taiwanese business tycoon Wu Ho-Su as a gift to Hsu Sheng-fa, another
Taiwanese businessman.
The painting depicts green mountains, peaks, and running waterfalls among enigmatic fog. The roof of an
isolated temple emerges from thick mist. Zhang’s composition presents a perfect equilibrium between the void
and the solid, depicting the mesmerising scenery and hazy atmosphere in a most natural manner.
Zhang Daqian (1899 – 1983)
Riding in the Autumn Countryside
1950
Ink and colour on paper, framed
100.2 x 54.3 cm
Est. HK$10 – 15 million / US$1.3 – 1.9 million
In 1950, Zhang Daqian was living temporarily in Darjeeling, India.
Amid the unfamiliar surroundings of a foreign country with a less busy
social life, Zhang dedicated more time to his artistic creation. According
to both critics and the artist himself, the works completed during
Zhang’s sojourn in Darjeeling marked the zenith of his mastery of
traditional fine brushwork, or gongbi technique.
Kept in its original matting, Riding in the Autumn Countryside should
have been brought from Darjeeling to Hong Kong by the artist, where it
was presented as a gift and dedication to Lu Genquan, a notable figure
in Shanghai who later resided in Taiwan.
Zhang’s horse paintings are noted for a brush style reminiscent of Tang
dynasty techniques. However, only a rare handful of the era’s original
paintings have survived to the present day. Their stylistic influence is evident only in the imitative copies
created by subsequent generations of artists including Zhao Mengfu of the Yuan dynasty, whose painting style
was referenced to in Zhang’s portrayal of horses
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A Work of Qi Baishi From An European Private Collection
Gift of artist to Clemente Rezzonico (1897 – 1976), Swiss Ambassador of China from 1950 to 1954
Qi Baishi (1864 – 1957)
Longevity Peaches
Ink and colour on paper, framed
118.5 x 60.4 cm
Est. HK$4 – 5 million / US$510,000 – 640,000
Known for his diverse subjects and humble background, the “people’s
artist” Qi Baishi often depict everyday objects in his paintings, garnering
the praise of the Chinese government and the admiration of collectors
both at home and abroad. Often used as gifts for visiting foreign
dignitaries and notable guests, many of Qi’s works are now treasured
pieces in important overseas collections.
The ripe, plump fruits in Longevity Peaches were painted with brilliant
colours and accompanied by vibrant green leaves. Qi’s brush strokes
confidently deliver a strong visual impact. With its auspicious, agreeable
motif and larger than usual format, it may have been a commissioned
work, but for certain reasons, Qi kept the work for three years after its
completion in 1948, later presenting it as a gift.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium and prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
Images available upon request
All catalogues are available online at www.sothebys.com or through Sotheby’s Catalogue iPad App
NOTES TO EDITORS
I) SOTHEBY'S HONG KONG SPRING SALES 2015 CALENDAR (The schedule is subject to change)
Auction
Category
4 April
5 April
6 April
7 April
A Private Single-Owner Collection Of Important Wines And Watches (Wines Session)
Modern And Contemporary Asian Art – Evening Sale
(Modern Asian Art, Contemporary Asian Art and Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Art )
Modern Asian Art Day Sale
Contemporary Asian Art Day Sale
Modern And Contemporary Southeast Asian Art Day Sale
Contemporary Literati: Curiosity
Fine Chinese Paintings
Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite
A Private Single-Owner Collection Of Important Wines And Watches (Watches Session)
Important Watches – Including Swatch & Art from the Paul Dunkel Collection
Guan – From a Japanese Collection
Yongzheng – The Age of Harmony and Integrity
Qianlong – Poet and Collector
Imperial Porcelain and Works of Art from a Hong Kong Private Collection
The Robert H. Blumenfield Collection of Chinese Bamboo Carvings
Important Chinese Works of Art
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HONG KONG EXHIBITION AND AUCTION VENUE
Hall 5, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing), 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
II) ASIA TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS CALENDAR
Date
City
Venue
21 - 22 March
Taipei
Fubon International Convention Centre
III) UPCOMING SELLING EXHIBITION IN MARCH
Date
Event
13 – 27 March
Avant Garde Asia – Gutai and Its Legacy and
Avant Garde Asia – Lines of Korean Masters
Venue
Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery
IV) FOR MORE NEWS FROM SOTHEBY’S
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