Chinese Modern Paintings Hong Kong December 2015

Chinese Works of Art Hong Kong December 2015, Christie's

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Chinese Modern Paintings: During the first week of December 2015, Christie's Hong Kong will conducts a series of auction comprising in SIX parts; Fine Modern Paintings, Scholar's Rocks, Early Ceramics of the Song to early Ming Dynasty's, A single lot specialty auction of a Yongzheng bowl, Buddhist Bronzes, Imperial and Fine ceramics and Important Jades.

Check our other posts for the rest of the catalogs or visit our Catalog Page for a direct link to each of them.

Fine Chinese Modern Paintings Hong Kong December 1, 2015

Fine Chinese Modern Paintings Hong Kong December 2015

The sale will offer numerous works by ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983). Including this important work by the master; (Est $1,200,000- $1,300,000)

This impressive landscape was inspired by Wang Meng’s (1308-1385) Reading in the Spring Mountains, which now resides in the Shanghai Museum. Zhang Daqian completed this interpretation of Wang Meng’s masterpiece at the end of 1947. After returning from studying the Dunhuang wall murals in 1943, Zhang Daqian began studying works from Song and Yuan artists. Frequently copying works from Wang Meng and Wu Zhen (1280-1354) believing he would surpass the renowned masters. ‘Of the Four Masters of the Yuan Dynasty’, Zhang Daqian once wrote, ‘Wang Meng’s style is the most superior. Every Ming and Qing artist learned from him, but no one could match his insurmountable achievement. Not even Shitao or Kuncan who were the most innovative.’

Zhang Daqian and Wang Meng Influences

Zhang Daqian’s reinterpretation of Wang Meng’s Reading in the Spring Mountains features towering mountains evocative of theYuan master’s. The foreground exhibits thatched pavilions hidden among the swaying pine that house the scholarly figures. While emulating the Song and Yuan masters, Zhang Daqian was determined to paint meditative works. His goal was to create works that during a period of unrest and unpredictability, celebrated the serenity of a mountain retreat.

Born 1947, the master of the studio Chai Sian Kwan is the famous director, Yang Fan (born 1947). Originally from the Hengshan area in Hunan, he has studied abroad in the United Kingdom, the United States and France. An enthusiast of film, photography, music and fine arts, Yang is a passionate collector of Chinese paintings and calligraphy, and befriended many artists, including Zhang Daqian.

As well as a superb painting by XU BEIHONG (1895-1953) of "Horses Drinking" (Est $2,400,000 -$2,900,00.)

His works often reveal profound messages: at times, they can be seen offering encouragement and solace to his compatriots
at a time of national crisis, or as gifts to a dear friend, celebrating virtue as a token of friendship. In Horses Drinking, against a vast,
open background, three horse are depicted standing by a river. Two lean forward to drink, exuding an air of calmness, while the
third is seen standing upright with an intense, alert regard.

The painting was previously in the collection of Huang Menggui, who,along with his brother Huang Manshi, was a close friend and major patron of Xu Beihong when the artist held his exhibitions in Singapore. In 1934, as a government official in Fujian Province, Huang Menggui was arrested for his involvement in the civil unrest.
Xu Beihong often visited him, and after Huang’s release, the artist created this image of Horses Drinking inscribed with a dedication to
Huang Menggui to celebrate his newfound freedom. Although celebratory in mood, the painting also stands as an allegory reminding
his friend to remain vigilant in difficult times.