Ink on paper

120 × 178 cm. 47 1/4 x 70 1/8 in.

Stamped with one artist’s seal on bottom right
PROVENANCE
Collection of Unagami Masaomi
Private Collection, Asia

Note:This work is attached with an inscription by Unagami Masaomi with one seal
This work will be included in the supplementary volume of artist’s catalogue raisonné prepared by Unagami Masaomi, no. 63115-A

The Struggle Between Humans and Words
Yuichi Inoue’s Calligraphy Aesthetics
Inoue was one of the most important pioneers of cutting edge post-war Japanese art. He was committed to “incorporating modern art concepts into calligraphy, freeing it from stiff traditional forms, and thus pushing it to the international stage.” His work conveys the abstract character and unique Oriental charm of calligraphy. His paintings were shown at international exhibitions along with works by artists such as Jackson Pollock. As a true international artist, Inoue demonstrates the commonalities between Oriental calligraphy and Western Abstract Expressionism.
“Inoue rejected imitating traditional manuscripts and instead chose to write freely. For him it was like breathing, without ever stopping, yet every breath was different. This difference was what he pursued.”
—Unagami Masaomi
Roar (Lot 720), featured at this spring auction, was created in 1961. Inoue took a very large brush to write the character咆 (beastly roar) on paper. As soon as the brush touched the paper, the ink splashed out, and the artist used his own special ink (diluted with a water-based binder and blended with black carbon powder), resulting in visible traces of the artist’s brush as well as transparent effects. This not only shows the unique changes in the intensity of the ink, but also records the body movements and the mental state of the artist.咆is a very perceptual character with great momentum and strength that highlights the artist’s personality. At the top, the emerging ink dots create a dramatic effect of a roaring beast, and this all the more shows the extreme explosiveness of Inoue’s creation.
Another masterpiece is Tiger (Lot 719), also created during the 1960s. The ancient form of the 虎 (tiger) character found inscribed on bronze vessels originally resembled the appearance of the animal. The artist combined the pictographic function of this character with the abstract beauty of its form. The layered texture resembles tiger stripes. The whole image is very playful, showing the strong, vigorous style of writing that the artist must have adopted very early on while learning how to write. The work reveals the style of Inoue’s calligraphy: there is a twist of ink at the beginning of each stroke, reminiscent of a powerful beast. In the middle and end part of each stroke, the ink becomes as light and delicate as silk. Even though this painting may just be a composition featuring a black character written on white paper, it is clear that it hides deeper connotations.

Price estimate:
HKD: 400,000 - 600,000
USD: 51,300 - 76,900

Auction Result:
HKD: --