Bronze Sculpture Edition: 11/30

22 x 18 x 16 cm. 8 2/3 x 7 x 6 2/7 in.

Signed in Chinese on the bottom of the backside, and numbered on the back of the base
PROVENANCE
Caves Art Center, Taipei
Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by a certification of authenticity signed by the artist issued by Taipei Caves Art Center

In Pursuit of Simplicity and Purity
Ju Ming's Affections for a Native World

Ju Ming's creation of sculptures starts with his Nativism Series. Ju grew up in the countryside, worked as a shepherd boy, and always had a deep affection for nature. In the 1970s, inspired by his childhood experiences, he started to portray the fascinating images of shepherd boys and buffalos, echoing the nativist trend of pursuing simplicity and purity. This made him one of the pioneers of modern sculpture.

Recalling Childhood Experiences and Longing for Home
Boy and Buffalo(Lot 128) is a masterpiece of Ju's Nativism Series, expressing visual tension and dynamics through realistic shapes. The artist utilizes blocky surfaces and exaggerated scale to point out the distinct differences between the two objects: the little shepherd boy is naïve and lively, while the huge buffalo is calm and quiet. The work is not only a reflection of Ju Ming's childhood experiences, but also shows off his superb skills and is an expressive portrayal of his personality.

A Hefty Pig Foretelling Good Harvest
In the 1970s and 1980s, Ju Ming gained recognition in the art world due to his Nativism Series. After that, he turned to freehand style and created a continuation of his Nativism Series through his Twelve Zodiac Series. Twelve Zodiac — Pig(Lot 127) features a powerful, rounded pig; it lifts its front hoof and turns its head backwards, radiating strength and might. The pig shows extraordinary vitality, symbolizing the coming of the harvest and abundance. The artist depicts the vivid shape and posture of the pig with simplicity and purity, conveying its unsophisticated charm and continuing his consistent creative philosophy.

Price estimate:
HKD: 50,000 – 80,000
USD: 6,400 – 10,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 141,600