Lot 633
Locust and Peony
Walasse TING (Chinese-American, 1929 - 2010)
1971
Ink on paper, framed
181 x 91 cm
Estimate
TWD 200,000-320,000
HKD 54,000-87,000
USD 7,000-11,100
CNY 45,000-71,000
Sold Price
TWD 660,000
HKD 176,471
USD 22,464
CNY 150,000
Signature
With one seal of the artist
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist
+ OVERVIEW
Despite having unrestrained boundaries of creation in the West, Walasse Ting stayed in the figurative depiction of classical Chinese art. This work shows the marriage of poetic depiction of Chinese art and Abstract expressionism in Western art. Derived from the style of Xu Wei, Tang Yin and Bada Shanren, peonies were depicted in its natural elegance with carefree strokes, showing his unique interpretation of modern art. The whole painting is lightly coloured to highlight the damp flower and leaves. Ink flows through the canvas depicting the scene after the rain. Spontaneity and dramatic depiction from Pop art was applied to the painting, differentiating itself from flat classical ink paintings. Flowers rose from the left, along with grass painted with dried ink, suggesting the fragility of wild plants. As the eye moves upwards, peonies sketched with ink spring to life. Using the variations of ink, space is enhanced in this work. Insects were delicately depicted dancing among the plants, highlighting Ting's sophisticated manipulation of the brush. Insects became a symbol of sexual pleasure and desire, making this work a romantic theme of flowers in ink. Not only does this work expands the boundaries of Chinese art, it leads to the creation of Ting's later works which are flooded in sexual pleasure.
Related Info
Refined Brushwork: Ink Paintings and Works of Art
Ravenel Spring Auction 2022 Taipei
Saturday, June 4, 2022, 1:00pm