Oil on board

36.5 x 50 cm. 14 3/8 x 19 6/8 in.

Signed in English and dated on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Important Private Collection, Asia

Born in 1920, Bùi Xuân Phái displayed extraordinary artistic talent at a young age. Upon reaching adulthood, he studied at the École des Beaux-arts de l'Indochine in Hanoi, where he developed a solid grounding in classical painting. As an admirer of modernist greats such as Picasso and Matisse, whose works were powerfully individualistic and emotional, Bùi Xuân Phái did not want to be known for emulating others before him； rather, he sought to find his own original style. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Bùi was, in his youth, also passionate about national politics and actively took part in Vietnam's independence movement. His activism inspired him to develop a modernist aesthetic rooted in local culture that could spark dialogues concerning human nature. Bùi has a talent for depicting the changing landscapes of rural and urban Vietnam and imbuing them with his own sentiments, such as longing for his hometown. He was a teacher at the Hanoi Fine Arts College, where he influenced a number of young people and earned widespread admiration. He is known as one of the greatest Southeast Asian artists of the 20th century.
The work presented for auction, Seashore Roaming, depicts a mother and child holding hands on the open road as they head in the direction of one of Hanoi's famous ancient landmarks: Hoan Kiem Lake. In the 15th century, the nobleman Le Loi once traveled here. It is said that, upon his arrival, a turtle spirit rose out of the water and gave him a precious sword. Le Loi used this sword to defeat Ming soldiers and restore Vietnam as an independent nation, with him as ruler. Later, Emperor Le Loi would go to great lengths to return this sword to the spirit of the lake. It is from this legend that Hoan Kiem Lake takes its name （hoan kiem meaning “returning the sword”）. In the painting, the artist has depicted the far-off mountain ranges and the azure surface of the lake. A pagoda towers over the scene like a guardian, casting its reflection on the water. The willows that flank the lake and the distant mountain ranges create a powerful sense of perspective and depth. The painting exudes tranquility and peace. By depicting this moving scene at a famous landmark, the artist is perhaps attempting to convey his hopes for peace as well as his appreciation of the legend that inspired the lake's name.

Price estimate:
HKD: 40,000 - 60,000
USD: 5,100 - 7,600

Auction Result:
HKD : --