CONTEMPORARY LITERATI: EARLY INK MASTERS

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1 Press Release Hong Kong For Immediate Release Hong Kong Rhonda Yung / Cecilia Leung / 5509 rhonda.yung@sothebys.com / cecilia.leung@sothebys.com London Leyla Daybelge leyla.daybelge@sothebys.com New York Lauren Gioia lauren.gioia@sothebys.com Dan Abernethy dan.abernethy@sothebys.com SOTHEBY S HONG KONG TO PRESENT CONTEMPORARY LITERATI: EARLY INK MASTERS ON 5 OCTOBER 2013 DURING ITS AUTUMN 2013 SALE - Introducing Major Works By Early Masters Of Contemporary Chinese Ink Painting Who Established Careers Abroad In The 20 th Century - Liu Guosong (Liu Kuo-sung; b. 1932), Midnight Sun, 1970, Ink and colour on Liu Kuo-sung paper, x 371 cm, Est. HK$1,200,000 1,600,000 / US$155, ,000 Hong Kong Public Exhibition: 3 October & 4 October Hong Kong, 5 September 2013 In celebration of its 40 th anniversary in Asia, Sotheby s presents a dedicated sale, Contemporary Literati: Early Ink Masters, which continues the Chinese literati tradition in the contemporary era. The sale offers a selection of 41 4 lots (Total estimated at approximately HK$ million / US$ , ) that focuses on early masters of contemporary Chinese ink painting who established their careers outside China in the 20 th century, featuring works by Chen Qikuan, Fang Zhaolin, He Huaishuo, Li Yihong, Liu Guosong, Lü L Shoukun, Wang Jiqian, Zheng Weiguo and Zhou Luyun. As ambassadors of both traditional Chinese and Western modern art techniques, these artists embody the nature of change in contemporary China and its diaspora. The selection of works expresses the philosophy of the literati tradition within the contemporary milieu, using innovative ink techniques and daringly new compositions.

2 This sale is an extrapolation of successful Sotheby s activities that cultivate a visual aesthetic for the literati spirit in contemporary culture. Tao: The Jiansongge Collection in Sotheby s Hong Kong 2008 Spring Sale Series presented revered scholar s rocks and organic works of art embodying the Taoist aesthetic, from as early as the Song dynasty to the 19 th century. Once objects of contemplation for the scholar studio or garden, such works are core to the literati s aesthetics for their intrinsic beauty and link to history. Exceptional scholars objects and paintings in recent auctions from the Water Pine and Stone Retreat Collection illustrates the centuries old fascination with naturally contoured, patterned or textured objects in stone, wood and bamboo. Mee-Seen Loong, Sotheby s Vice Chairman, Chinese Art, said, Contemporary explorations in ink is a dynamic continuation of the thousand year old tradition of Chinese painting. Modern painters, especially those who studied outside of China in the early 20 th century, showed innovations within the context of traditional Chinese painting. Artists working in the ink medium today extrapolate on innovations by masters such as Lü Shoukun (Hong Kong), Wang Jiqian (New York), Tseng Yuho (Hawaii), and Liu Guosong (Taiwan), who each broke away from old formulas without abandoning the core of their classical heritage, that of brush and ink. In this vein, Contemporary Literati: Early Ink Masters encapsulates current features in paintings and works of art but keeps as its common denominator the memory of the best of old traditions. HIGHLIGHTS Liu Guosong (Liu Kuo-sung; b. 1932), Midnight Sun,, 1970, Ink and colour on Liu Kuo-sung paper, x 371 cm, Est. HK$1,200,000 1,600,000 / US$155, ,000 As a student of both traditional ink painting and Western expressionist oil painting, Liu Guosong s experimentation with textured paper surfaces and vivid colours is one of the most significant contributions to new ink painting in the 20 th century. Drawing ink onto paper from a wet, watery surface, or using an airbrush with acrylic colour, his nonbrushwork based paintings combine both abstract and expressionist visions in landscape painting. Midnight Sun is a massive painting inspired by the manned moon landing in 1969, whereupon Liu began to synthesize geometric forms with his explorations in brushwork. This painting is an early example of subsequent moon-inspired landscapes and his combination of expressionist brushwork and defined forms that influenced the next generation of painters. 2

3 Chen Qikuan (Chen Chi-Kwan; ), Valley,, 1990, Ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll, 32 x 62 cm, Est. HK$160, ,000 / US$20,700 25,800 Chen Qikuan is recognised for his whimsical compositions and unconventional techniques, offering a fresh approach to the literati tradition. Trained as an architect working alongside Bauhaus-influenced Walter Gropius and renowned Chinese architect IM Pei, as a painter, he presented innovative views on depicting nature while retaining traditional landscape painting aesthetics. Valley provides a unique perspective in ink painting with the use of a horizon line in the distance and strikingly bright colours. Lü Shoukun ( ), Purity Zen Painting, 1970, Ink and colour on paper, framed, 180 x 97 cm, Est. HK$220, ,000 / US $28,400 36,200 Lü Shoukun is recognised as the pioneer of modern ink painting and is one of the most important figures working outside China in the 20 th century. His innovations with traditional landscapes, experimentation with brushwork and incorporation of Western conceptualism and abstraction, liberates his work from the confines of traditional painting. His sophisticated Zen series developed later in his career is inspired by the philosophy of Chan Buddhism and is the landmark result of his painting experimentations. Purity Zen Painting is a prominently published and rare work that uniquely combines both calligraphy and abstract painting in one. The compelling result demonstrates virtuosic technical skill with the brush and draws upon the rich intellectual traditions of Chinese and Western cultures. Wang Jiqian (C. C. Wang; ), Landscape, 1982, Ink and colour on paper, framed, 73.5 x 100 cm, Est. HK$180, ,000 / US $23,300 28,400 Wang Jiqian (C.C. Wang) is renowned as a connoisseur and collector, but his reputation as a masterful painter precedes him. His knowledge of Chinese painting provided him with the great depth of sensitivity and technique to pay homage and to imitate the styles of old masters. The deeply saturated blue hues of his 3

4 Landscape painting is an unusual exploration of his landscapes referencing Song dynasty masters and shows his dramatic use of for colour and individualism in his composition of the mountains. Zheng Weiguo (Cheng Weikwok; b. 1920), Homage to the Canyon, 1977, Ink and colour on xuan paper, framed, 151 x 96 cm,, Est. HK $80, ,000 / US $10,400 12,900 Zheng Weiguo settled in Hong Kong in 1949 and is an early guohua experimentalist of new ink art inspired by Lü Shoukun. As a co-founder of the One Art Group, he fulfilled their mission to retain the traditional essence of Chinese ink painting whcolourile incorporating aspects of Western art thus achieving a sense of modern individualism. His technique of reapplying colour after the traditional wet mounting process optimises the distinctively rich and vibrant colours of ink on paper. Homage to the Canyon is inspired by the artist s visit to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, whose remote, eroded rock formations offer spectacular views of a majestic ancient landscape. Zhou Luyun (Irene Chou; ), Universe is My Mind II,, 2002, Ink and colour on paper, framed, 80.6 x 149 cm, Est. HK$240, ,000 / US$31,000 43,900 Zhou Luyun (Irene Chou) was one of the most influential artists of the New Ink Painting generation and transformed traditional Chinese painting into a wildly imaginative universe of her own. Although having explored the use of other media, such as oil, watercolour and acrylic, Chou s mature work found her strongest voice of expression in ink. The powerful rhythmic brushstrokes, organic forms and confident use of brilliant color became portraits of rebirth and a cosmic vision encapsulating the spirit of endurance and will. Universe is My Mind II represents the significant later period in her artistic career during which she strove to continue painting after surviving lifethreatening stroke in Unlike the melancholy of her past, this traumatic period inspired a belated interest in Buddhism and change that resulted in noticeably freer and relaxed visions. He Huaishuo (Ho Huai-Shuo, b. 1941), Moonlight On Desolate Mountain, 1990, Ink and colour on paper, framed, 132 x 66 cm, Est. HK$100, ,000 / US$12,900 19,400 4

5 A master of calligraphy, professor of Chinese painting, and respected art historian, Ho Huai-shuo is also recognized for his serious compositions and confident brushwork. His conscious rendering of Chinese painting techniques, composition, poeticism, and brushwork are deeply rooted in his training in Western art painting and theory. His belief in un-pretty painting favours melancholic and complicated landscapes that are densely textured and darkly shaded - a distinct diversion from traditional ink painting. Moonlight on Desolate Mountain is a superb example of Ho s contemplation of technique and expression of individualism that shows his brilliant innovations of composition. *Estimates do not include buyer s premium and prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer s premium. Images available upon request Press releases and sales information are now available at All catalogues are available online at or through Sotheby s Catalogue ipad App NOTES TO EDITORS I) SOTHEBY'S HONG KONG AUTUMN SALES 2013 CALENDAR (The schedule is subject to change) Auction Category 4 Oct Domaine Clarence Dillon: Château Haut Brion - Château Quintus - Château La Mission Haut Brion - Wines Direct from the Cellars 5 Oct A Magnificent Bordeaux Cellar Important Burgundy and Bordeaux from a Private Cellar Contemporary Literati: Early Ink Masters Sotheby s Hong Kong 40 th Anniversary Evening Sale (20 th Century Chinese Art, Contemporary Asian Art & Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings) 6 Oct 20 th Century Chinese Art Day Sale Contemporary Asian Art Day Sale Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings Day Sale 7 Oct Fine Chinese Paintings Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite 8 Oct Chinese Art Through The Eye Of Sakamoto Gorō Qing Imperial Porcelain A Kyoto Collection The Cunliffe Musk-Mallow Palace Bowl Important Ming Porcelain From A Private Collection Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art Important Watches Including Magnificent Clocks From An Important Private Collection Part II HONG KONG EXHIBITION AND AUCTION VENUE Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing), 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong II) SOTHEBY'S HONG KONG UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AND SELLING EXHIBITIONS IN SEP NOV (The schedule is subject to change) Date Event Venue Sep From Warhol, With Love A Selling Exhibition Sotheby s Hong Kong Gallery 3 7 Oct Awakening Spring: Exhibition Of Significant Works By Wu Guanzhong Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing) Oct Sotheby s Hong Kong Gallery 25 Oct 2 Nov The Eternal Spring A Selling Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramics by Caroline Cheng III II) FOR MORE NEWS FROM SOTHEBY S Visit : Follow : & Join : Watch : Sotheby s Hong Kong Gallery Sotheby s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since Sotheby s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby s presents auctions in 8 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby s BIDnow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. Sotheby s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby s Financial Services, the world s only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S 2, the gallery arm of Sotheby's Contemporary Art department, and two retail businesses, Sotheby s Diamonds and Sotheby s Wine. Sotheby s has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID). 5