Oil and tempera on canvas

61.4×61cm. 24 1/8×24 in.

Signed in Chinese and dated on bottom right
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Asia

Flowers Bloom in their Designated Time and Time Flows by Silently
The Inner Landscape of Yeh Tzu-Chi

Born in Hualien of Taiwan, Yeh Tzu-Chi graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at The Chinese Culture University. In 1987, he moved to the United States to further his education and have since resided there for twenty years. While he studied at The City University of New York Brooklyn College, he was greatly inspired by his teacher, Lee Boutecou, who strongly believed in the quote, “Art requires immense focus of the heart”. Consequently, such attitude is reflected in Yeh's career. Yeh incorporates the egg tempera technique in his oil paintings, which allows him to create softer and intricately detailed images. He applies meticulous brushworks to illustrate layers of distinct textures. Still life themed paintings are the highly sought-after creations of Yeh and the popularity of his works are epitomized in the current auction of his Splendid Bauhinia, which is one of his finest pieces.

The Unsoiled Stamens Gracefully Erect as Sentiments Indefinitely Expand

Splendid Bauhinia portrays a dark green background with a blooming rose-pink bauhinia flower rising from a narrow-mouth vase. The petals are voluminous and full, its horizontally grown leaves are accentuated with distinguishable patterns depicting the flower's robust vitality. The unsoiled stamens are situated in the center of the plant and are vertically erect as they do not spread nor branch out. They persistently reproduce new stamens in an upward motion. Echoing the sky-blue color of the porcelain vase, the fresh green color of the stamens produces a visually contrasting effect that fades from the vibrancy of the flower to the humbly muted vase.

The smooth and plump body of the vase features an alluring glow, which juxtaposes the exquisitely blooming flower, bringing out the plant's inaudible resilience through the contrast between the sophisticated color palette of the flower and the monochromic vase, as well as the living plant and the still artifact. The reflective wooden table mimics a placid lake, projecting a reflection of the vase. Another reflection of the vase is also portrayed on the side of the table. It is indefinitely stretched out as if placed in an eternal timeframe, thus manifesting the painter's sentiments and personal stories.

One Encounter, One Chance: the Withering and Blooming of Time

The fiery red bauhinia flower is the emblem of Hong Kong. The flower is sterile and relies on tissue culture to be reproduced. Hence, the bauhinia flower could only bloom once in its lifetime. Its floriography symbolizes familial love and reunion. In 2006, Yeh bids farewell to the bustling city of New York and returns to his hometown in Taiwan, which is surrounded by mountains and seas. Embraced by the nature of his hometown, Yeh deeply experiences the power of life, furthering his musings on the withering and blooming of time. He recognizes the blossoming and shriveling of flowers, and the nature law of spring flowers and autumn fruits. Yeh employs the bauhinia flower in his painting to bring out the concept of “one encounter, one chance” in life. Although the golden days of the flower are passing and its vibrancy is fading, it wilts with no regrets. Simultaneously, the imagery of the painting implies the artist's lifetime devotion to the Arts.

Price estimate:
HKD: 340,000 - 450,000
USD: 43,700 - 57,800

Auction Result:
HKD: 540,000