Bronze sculpture Edition: 9/30

34 × 29 × 16 cm. 13 3/8 × 11 3/8 × 6 1/4 in.

Signed in Chinese and numbered on the bottom of right side

LITERATURE
1990, The Sculpture of The Twelve Animals by Ju Ming, Caves Art Center, Taipei
PROVENANCE
Caves Gallery, Taipei
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

Vitality Incarnate: The Tempered Soul of Sculpture
Ju Ming’s Enduring Sculptural Aesthetics

"My journey in art parallels the growth of a tree, with my roots firmly embedded in native soil and the Tai Chi series extending as branches," remarked Ju Ming. In the upcoming sale, we revisit the genesis of Ju Ming’s artistic prowess, showcasing three exceptional pieces from what he regards as the foundation of his career - the Nativism Series: Dog (lot34), inspired by the poodle breed; Twelve Chinese Zodiac – Horse (lot30), a timeless classic from the Twelve Chinese Zodiac Series; and Zhang Fei (lot31) from the Mythological Series. Additionally, we unveil a rare wood carving from his esteemed Taichi Series titled Taichi Series – Kick (lot33), alongside the coveted masterpiece Taichi Series – Single Whip (lot32), both epitomizing Ju Ming’s ability to evoke profound aesthetic resonance.

Triumphant Arrival of the Horse: Prosperous and Majestic

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ju Ming ascended to artistic eminence with his Nativism Series, subsequently transitioning from realism to a realm of expressive and spiritual artistry, culminating in the creation of the Twelve Chinese Zodiac Series. The showcased Twelve Chinese Zodiac – Horse embodies the essence of grace and power with its sleek contours and majestic presence, a symbol of swiftness and triumph in Chinese culture. Through masterful strokes, Ju Ming captures the horse’s glossy coat, robust physique, and sinewy limbs, imbuing the sculpture with a sense of dynamism and vitality. The luminous gaze of the horse, cast in a moment of determined retrospection, reflects "leadership and resilience", encapsulating the quintessence of "elegance and fortitude".

Guardian of Prosperity, the Dog: Auspicious and Flourishing

In addition to his renowned Twelve Chinese Zodiac Series, Ju Ming ventured into portraying poodles between 1982 and 1986. Employing the graceful figure of a poodle, he crafted a remarkably rare series of only six editions titled Dog. The piece being auctioned is one of these exclusive editions, embodying rarity and elusiveness. Diverging from the tranquil imagery of sleeping puppies in his Twelve Chinese Zodiac series, his masterpiece Dog captures the vibrant spirit of these canines through an animated poodle. The adage "Dogs bring wealth" finds resonance as poodles, true to their name, are emblematic of affluence and sophistication. With a rich history dating back to the esteemed French royal court of the 17th century, poodles have remained a perennial muse for artists throughout the ages. Even in contemporary art, Colombian artist Fernando Botero and American artist Jeff Koons have also created oil paintings and sculptures featuring the image of a poodle. Poodles possess not only lively personalities and high intelligence but also embody the auspicious symbolism of "great wealth and nobility", akin to the assistance of noble figures.

In Ju Ming’s masterful rendition of Dog, the poodle exudes charm and amiability, its ears alert, head turned back with a confident gaze, and its short tail held high in a gesture of poise. A palpable aura of intelligence and wisdom emanates from the portrayal. To capture the poodle’s endearing fluffiness, Ju Ming eschewed broad, hasty strokes in favour of meticulous, intricate carving techniques, resulting in a lifelike fur-like texture that faithfully captures the essence of this toy poodle-like creature. The artwork pulsates with the vitality of the poodle, symbolizing blessings and prosperity for its beholders, evoking a sense of nobility and boundless joy.

Roaring Thunder: Unyielding Force
The Unrivaled Valour of Zhang Fei

Zhang Fei stands as an iconic representation from Ju Ming’s early Nativism series, embodying the mythological ethos of ancient legends. Carved from the rarefied Taiwanese red cypress, commonly employed in high-end furniture, ships, and buildings - chosen for its enduring qualities, the sculpture exemplifies Ju Ming’s reverence for the material.

In folk theater, Zhang Fei’s portrayal as "brave and skilled in battle", embodying "loyalty and righteous gallantry", has deeply resonated with audiences. This artwork vividly presents the protagonist with the classic features of "leopard-head, ring-eyed, swallow-chinned, and tiger-bearded". His untamed hair and beard evoke the image of a fierce tiger descending from the mountains, while his piercing gaze mirrors the cunning of a prowling leopard. With a roaring mouth akin to a lion’s mighty roar, Zhang Fei’s portrayal exudes strength as "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand unable to pass". The piece masterfully captures the pivotal scene described in Records of the Three Kingdoms, where Zhang Fei decisively "seizes the bridge and brandishes his spear with an angry glare". In a bid to protect his lord Liu Bei from Cao Cao’s advancing army, Zhang Fei, crossing the river at Changbanpo, swiftly demolishes the bridge and confronts the enemy with a resounding shout, declaring, "I am Zhang Yide; come and face me to the death!" Such unwavering courage and loyalty are both admirable and commendable, encapsulating the indomitable spirit of the moment. In this portrayal, Zhang Fei is depicted in battle attire, wielding a long spear, his figure lunging forward with a single foot grounded. The composition delicately balances horizontal and vertical lines, while his dynamic form whirls like the wind, conveying the momentum of his charge and the ferocity of his attacks. The wood grain flows with the character’s movement, capturing the essence of energy and strength condensed in the striking moment. Through this artwork, Ju Ming’s exceptional mastery of form, remarkable wood carving skills, and profound understanding of historical figures are brought to life. It offers viewers a vivid portrayal of a generation of military leaders renowned not only for their "exceptional courage" but also for their "adeptness in strategic decision-making".

Harmony of Qi, Essence of Spirit
The Vigour and Grandeur of Taichi’s Kick

"Ju Ming’s artistry in knife marks mirrors the fluidity of ink brushstrokes."
——Ukai Uchiyama, Japanese ink painter

In traditional Chinese artistry, the pursuit of the "one stroke" transcends mere brushwork——it embodies "a seamless flow of energy". For Ju Ming, the pinnacle of this concept finds expression in woodblock Taichi, where "man and nature converge". These sculptures represent Ju Ming’s most refined works, bearing unique artistic significance. Among them, Kick stands as a shining exemplar.

To capture the essence of Taichi, Ju Ming masterfully carves from single blocks of wood, employing dynamic knife techniques to convey the split-second intensity of a kick. Derived from the Taichi movement "Kicking", this sculpture portrays a warrior in motion: one leg propels upward, the other slightly bent, while the body inclines naturally. Every detail——from the raised arms to the flexed muscles——is meticulously chiseled, akin to calligraphic strokes embodying precision and fluidity.

What adds further brilliance to Kick is its seamless integration of the flowing "Qi" of Taichi with the organic, silk-like texture of the wood grain, thus enriching the essence of Taichi philosophy. For instance, the uplifted left arm, the spinning motion of the right leg, and the grounded stance of the left leg each reveal distinct horizontal wood grains on the surface. Adhering to these natural textures, Ju Ming employs intricate carving techniques to evoke the subtle essence of "Qi", seamlessly merging the rhythmic pulsations of energy with the "dynamic movements" of Taichi. Through this meticulous craftsmanship, the artwork engages in a profound dialogue with nature and life itself.

The Pinnacle of Taichi’s Harmony between Heaven and Humanity
The Graceful Interplay of Movements in the Single Whip

Among Ju Ming’s extensive Taichi series creations, Single Whip stands out as the quintessence of Taichi philosophy, blending "form", "spirit", "energy", and "momentum" to depict the pinnacle of the concept of unity between heaven and humanity. Over the years, different renditions of Single Whip have been showcased or acquired by public institutions in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in England, the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Japan, Place Vendôme in Paris, and Exchange Square in Central Hong Kong. It holds a distinguished status in Ju Ming’s body of work and remains highly coveted in the art market.

The Taichi Series – Single Whip sculpture exudes an air of grandeur and composure, characterized by its dignified and well-proportioned appearance. Its surface carving flows gracefully like drifting clouds and water, embodying the majestic force of nature, solid and unyielding. At its core lies the synchronized movement of the arms, one descending while the other rises, extending outward in a seamless line, echoing the dynamic interplay of yin and yang, perpetuating an eternal cycle. The legs complement this harmony, flexing and extending in tandem with the arms, while the body maintains an upright stance, with qi centered in the dantian. From behind, the sculpture forms a structured "square", symbolizing unity and strength from top to bottom. This masterpiece effortlessly combines tranquility and motion, embodying both the grounded stability and the latent power ready to be unleashed, emanating a captivating allure of both restraint and potential. Ju Ming channels the "inner settling" of heart, mind, and spirit to articulate the "external settling" of form, posture, and momentum, evoking the serene confidence of a true master. Through its refined craftsmanship and dynamic presence, it reflects the timeless vitality of Chinese culture, exemplifying the essence of Oriental elegance. Placed on an indoor display, it invites contemplation of the aesthetic subtleties of Taichi, standing as a testament to Ju Ming’s artistic mastery and holding significant appeal for discerning collectors.

Price estimate:
HKD: 60,000 – 150,000
USD: 7,700 - 19,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 86,400