Ink and colour on paper

51 × 34.5 cm. 20 1/8 × 13 5/8 in.

Titled, inscribed, and signed in Chinese with two artist's stamps on the right; stamped with an artist's seal on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist by Guo Qi, the former principal of Northwest University
8 Nov 2011, Beijing Chengxuan Autumn Auction, Lot 795
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

Wonderful Figures of Water Margin, Legend Life in Real World
The Unique Presentation of Guan Liang

Among Guan Liang's creation, themes under characters of Peking Opera are particularly special. Starting from the characteristics of the figures in the paintings, through his understanding on the plots, he applies the naive aesthetic lines and layouts to echo the emotions of drama-like life. His paintings with famous literary and drama themes such as the Water Margin and the Red Mansion series not only reflect his pursuit of “warding off evil and promoting good”, but also marks as his aesthetic achievement. Li Kui Beating Official Chen in 1975, is a manifesto of his art pursuit after the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution.

Master in Ink and Brushstrokes, Delicate in Pose and Charm

Li Kui Beating Official Chen comes from the spectacular 75th chapter of Water Margin: The emperor of Song sends Official Chen as an envoy and recruits the warriors. However, Chen's contemptuous attitude angers Li Kui, who jumps off from the beam, shreds the edict, grabs Chen, and hits him with the fist.

To paint the character's posture alive, Guan chooses a moment near the climax conflict point in a play, so as to stimulate the audience's imagination to perfect the content of the story and achieve a visual experience full of dynamic and tension. Li Kui, who has sharp eyes, angrily grabs the bun of Official Chen and raises his iron fist over the top. He strides legs into a lunge, as if in the next second, the punch would fall on Chen's body. Chen is lying prone on the ground, with his eyes scattered and pose embarrassed. With the exquisite composition of one up and one down, one vertical and one horizontal, Guan masterly manages the balance between the strong and weak, pushing the tense atmosphere to the extreme through the contrast.

The Play in the Painting, Tells A Story Outside the Painting

From the inscription on the painting, we would know that the work was originally painted for Guo Qi, the former president of Northwest University. Guo Qi was criticized during the Cultural Revolution, but he still stepped forward to protect the veteran cadres and professors around him. Guan completed this work in 1975, on the eve of the crushing of the Gang of Four, as a gift to Guo to express his appreciation for Guo's deeds. Meanwhile, from appreciating the historical figure's bold spirit, we can see Guan's understanding, struggling, and fighting against the time.

Price estimate:
HKD: 100,000 - 150,000
USD: 12,800 - 19,300

Auction Result:
HKD: 156,000