Oil on canvas

44 × 37 cm. 17 3/8 × 14 5/8 in.

Signed in English and Chinese on bottom left; located and dated on the reverse
EXHIBITED
4 – 27 Nov 1978, A Retrospective Exhibition of the Works of Fan Tchun-pi, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly by the original collector from the artist's family
29 May 2016, China Guardian Hong Kong Spring Auction, Lot 165
Acquired directly by present Asian private collector from the above

A Precious Pearl of 20th Century Chinese Art History
Fan Tchunpi's Modest and Far-Reaching Artistic Conception

During the Chinese artistic movement in the 20th century, “fusion of the West and the Orient” is undeniably the most radical ideology, which is propelled by the greatly influential artists such as Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmian, Wu Guanzhong, and Sanyu, and more. They have each individually contributed to the artistic movement, consequently leading to the flourishing of such ideology. Among the group, Fan Tchunpi could be understood as the most inspiring and charming artist who is described as a bright shining pearl.

Fan was born in an affluent noble family in the City of Fuzhou and was sent to France for education during her teen years. It was a rare and extremely privileged opportunity at the time. In 1916, she was admitted into Académie Julian in Paris and became the institute's first female Chinese student in history. The year after, Fan entered École d'enseignement supérieur d'art de Bordeaux, and graduated with distinction three years later. She then entered National Higher Academy of Fine Arts in France. Being immersed in the institute of which eminent artists such as Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres and Henri Matisse were trained, Fan naturally internalized the essence of Western art ideologies. Thus, her knowledge of Western art was perceivable in her creations. Her works have won much recognition in Paris. In 1978, The University of Hong Kong's Fung Ping Shan Museum organized a Fan Tchunpi Retrospective Exhibition. In 1984, the Musée Cernuschi in Paris hosted an exhibition for Fan, showing her works in the 60 years of her career. The exhibitions confirmed her influence in China and even asserted her status in the history of the international arts industry.

A Grip of the Flower Inspires the Realization of Her True Beauty.

Fan once stated, “I am determined to bring the concepts of Western anatomy illustration, point-projection perspective, and more into the concepts of Chinese paintings and correct its scientifically illogical patterns. Whether I fail or succeed, it does not matter to me.”

Her relentless pursuit led to a variety of unconventional themes. She incorporates characters, still life, scenery, animals, and plants. Her works are elegant and reserved, but highly elevated with spiritual enlightenments, perfectly representing her artistry in expressively combining western and Chinese arts.

As seen here, her painting produced in 1955 Landscape Nearby Kyoto (Lot 131), towering trees are illustrated at front and the mountains in the far back. The top branch of the tree in the centre is situated exactly projection point of the painting, as if a pathway is implemented to guide the focus directly towards the amber sunset. Fan adopts her familiarity with the Chinese aesthetic of leaving blank spaces, which she preserves a blank space at the sides of the top branch of the tree in the centre. Leaving blank spaces allow the expression of emotions and could stimulate deeper inner reflections through emphasizing the natural scenery. This artwork was exhibited at the The University of Hong Kong's Fung Ping Shan Museum of a Fan Tchunpi Retrospective Exhibition in 1978, showing the significance of Fan's art career to the industry of Fine Arts.

In comparison to oil paintings, Fan's work on paper further shows her perceptions of her surroundings and the inspirations she receives. Applying her unique visual language, Fan conveys the profound Chinese culture of modesty and humility. In Vased Flower (Lot 132), the indigo colour of the iris flowers seamlessly fade into a violet colour, effortlessly displaying the different heights of each flower. Though the growth of each iris is distinctive, they are nonetheless arranged tidily in a blue and white porcelain vase, producing an exquisite image of the bouquet. The artwork manifests Fan's affection for flowers and communicates appreciation of nature through botany. Perhaps, her work complements Van Gogh's masterpieces through the depiction of the same subject, which shows that similar sentiments are shared among artists of extraordinary creations.

Price estimate:
HKD: 85,000 - 150,000
USD: 10,900 - 19,300

Auction Result:
HKD: 132,000