Oil on canvas

53 × 46 cm. 20 7/8 × 18 1/8 in.

Signed in Chinese with an artist's seal on bottom left

LITERATURE
2015, Fan Tchun-pi, Poly Art Museum, Beijing, p. 8 and p. 38-39
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly by the original collector from the artist's family
13 Jun 2013, Christie's Paris Art d'Asie Auction, Lot 217
21 Nov 2018, China Guardian Autumn Auction, Lot 1522
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

Note: The authenticity of this work is confirmed by the artist's relative as the original work of the artist

Intoxicating Aroma Seeps through the Heart and Spleen
Fan Tchunpi's Classic Still Life White Carnations

Fan Tchunpi is considered one of the most outstanding Chinese female painters of early 20th century. Born in Fuzhou in 1898, Fan Tchunpi grew up in an unconventional family environment inspired by the revolutionary ideas and reformation , enabling her to be brought up freely and to eventually pursuit a career choosing by her own. Such atmosphere influenced her paintings. She was still in her early teens when she went to study in France in 1912. In 1917, she entered the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Three years later, she was admitted to the l'École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (National School of Fine Arts) and became the first Chinese female painter to participate in the prestigious “Salon d'Automne” event in France. She was hailed as the “Outstanding Female Painter of the East" by the Paris art circle. Despite the lack of advanced communication technologies in the last century, Fan Tchunpi triumphantly made a strong impression of Eastern art within the Western community.

In 1949, Fan Tchunpi returned to France. In this autumn auction, we present her classic still life work White Carnation created during the time of her second trip to France, which is such an exquisite piece that combines Eastern and Western elements.

Nonchalant to Destiny, Tender and Lyrical

"I have never seen an artist like Tchunpi, one who has such passion, such dedication and wisdom for painting, and such outlook that views painting as her second life, one that she could not part with, not even for a single moment."

――Traveling French writer Su Xuelin

White Carnations adopts the framework of Western paintings for its perspective and shape. In terms of tone, lighting, and atmosphere, the piece employs the tender and lyrical nature of Eastern art. Elements of Eastern paintings are presented in the piece and are specifically depicted in the ten white carnations that are obliquely inserted into the rattan bamboo basket. The white carnations do not sprout from the centre of the bamboo basket. Instead, they stretch to the side in the direction of the wind, revealing the blooming contours of the flowers and the elegant yet subtlety of their presence. The posture of the carnations reflects Fan Tchunpi's open-mindedness and nonchalance of destiny, an indifferent and serene mentality acquired during her fifties. Meanwhile, the background of the painting is a wooden railing with geometric cuts which corresponds to the square table at the front. The white tablecloth on the square table echoes the crescent white colour of the carnations. The details of the painting reflect the artist' meticulous attention to every element of the piece.

Flowers Blossoming in Indulgence, as if the Wind is Breezing through

Universally, white carnations have the flower language of pure and selfless love, which corresponds to the theme of this piece. The artist constructed the painting with simple white colour and warm wood colour. With gentle brushworks, she creates a peaceful picture that is timeless. The white carnations blossom, fluttering in the wind alongside the leaves, silently realizing the beautiful scenery described in the Chinese verse, “The wind is sweet and drunken; the clouds are bright and passionate”. It inspires and enlightens mind of the viewers.

Price estimate:
HKD: 420,000 - 620,000
USD: 53,500 - 79,000

Auction Result:
HKD: 984,000