Ink on paper

18.2 × 50.6 cm. 7 1/8 × 19 7/8 in.

Signed in Chinese with an artist's seal on upper right
PROVENANCE
16 Dec 2007, China Guardian Seasons Auctions, Lot 859
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

Spiritual Transcendence through Exploring the Genuine Self - the Acquirement of Enlightenment
Ting Yinyung's Realm of Perfection

Ting Yinyung moved abroad to Japan for his studies in Western painting at the age of 18 and was exposed to an array of Western modern art concepts such as Impressionism and Fauvism. He formed a bold and unrestrained style of painting influenced by his knowledge of Western modemism. In 1925, he completed his studies and returned to China. He began to study Chinese ink painting, attempting to incorporate Western art into the Chinese style and to reintroduce traditional concepts into the modern art presentation. In 1949, he settled in Hong Kong and his ink painting techniques gradually improved. The four works presented in this auction belong to different themes, all of which are Ting Yinyung's most refined ink paintings produced in his later years.

Sky-High Ambition of a Soaring Eagle, Western Bada Astonished in the East and the West

Pine and Eagle (Lot 69) features an eagle standing on a pine branch. Though the painting is entirely painted in ink, the changes in the texture and the rhythms in Ting's strokes are fully manifested. The zigzag lines forming the strong pine branches and the pine leaves drawn by the thick brushstrokes differs from Realism, reinforcing Ting's style of borrowing without imitating traditional brushwork. The eagle gazes up to the sky like a warrior ready to charge, its beak curved upwards personifying the human nature of justice. The exaggerated eagle eyes and small body add a comical naivety to the work.

Good Wishes Are Well Rooted in the Realism of Daily Life

Prosperous Couple (Lot 70) features the same theme of birds but embodies a different style. In the painting, two birds are gathering on a stone that is outlined by a single line of dry ink. In front of the stone, round daffodils representing reunion and blooming hibiscus symbolizing wealth are presented. The flowers are painted in a creative approach. Ting did not use distinctive lines to outline pistils. Instead, he blured the boundaries between pistils and petals. Such an approach is inspired by Fauvist still life oil painting, which employs straightforward and rough brushstrokes. Prosperous Couple has a lively and unconventional atmosphere. Instead of incorporating the typical poetic implications in flower and bird paintings, Ting transformed art into an artistic expression that is unique to his style. Good wishes are rooted in the realism of daily life rather than in the verses of abstract poetry.

The Private Collection of Mok E-den, Hero with Distinctive Charms of Their Own

While Ting Yinyung's art is an expression of his own emotions, his works are also a reflection of the reality he lived in. Ting's portraits are closely related to the Hong Kong society of his time. He often used portrait painting to express his thoughts, his love, hate, praises, and criticisms toward social figures of the rapidly developing society. After ten years, The Eight Immortals (Lot 72) found in the private collection of Mok E-den is once again presented. The immortals, united once again, gather and tower over like tall mountains. The group is vigorous when perceived from a distance and is vivid with detailed illustrations when appreciated up close.

The Eight Immortals has many highlighted details. Ting used bold brushstrokes to outline Zhang Guolao riding a donkey backwards and forming the main structure of the painting. The layered neck lines of the donkey are like mountains, the back of its mane is drawn with thick ink lines contrasting its lower body that is outlined with thin lines, revealing strong dramatic expressionism. In the front row, Tieguai Li is bare-chested and bold. In the back row, Han Xiangzi plays the flute, showing the harmony between music and visual arts. Ting simplified and deformed the facial structure of the characters, making them almost grotesque while accurately expressing the spirit of the characters. For example, Tieguai Li appears as an bold man with round eyes and tongue; Lu Dongbin is young and smart with thin eyes and long beards. Ting's talent and technique is fully presented with just a few simple strokes.

Every Stroke Is Full of Intensity, Bringing Animating the Colourful Poetry

Ting created a feast for the eyes with bold and warm colours. In the painting, the clothes of the Eight Immortals are as gorgeous as a rainbow, which is unprecedented in traditional ink painting. Different colour blocks collide violently in the painting without appearing to be incongruous. Ni Yide commented on Ting's colours, he opined, “Ting prefers gorgeous and bright colours that are vibrant but not overpowering; elegant and not sordid”. The colour of the costumes also coincides with the protagonist's identity. For example, Han Xiangzi's pink clothes echo his allusions of “immortals could brew wine in an instant; immortals could make flowers bloom in no time”. The technique of colour use depicts Ting's profound knowledge of folk stories. At first glance, the works appear to be improvisations, but upon savored appreciation, it is revealed that the work is deeply researched.

Noble Nature Exists Not with the Intent to Bring Fame and Fortune

Modern portraits of the Eight Immortals have taken to secularism. For example, the “Eight Immortals Bestowing Longevity” trope is used to symbolize hopes for good fortune, the nature meaning is long forgotten. To reintroduce the core message of the Eight Immortals, Ting used minimalistic lines and bright colours to highlight the individuality of each character, restoring the original supernatural qualities of the characters.

The Eight Immortals is also a representation of Ting's pursuit of self-improvement. In the work, Zhang Guolao and Tieguai Li both occupy the centre. Zhang Guolao's action of riding the donkey backwards seems humorous at first glance, but it represents Zhang's belief that the path of returning to the original and returning to the truth is contrary to the pursuit of utilitarianism. As for Tieguai Li who dresses like a beggar, he is chivalrous and selfless. He is dedicated to saving all living beings with medicine and is known as the “King of Medicine”. Ting's disciples have mentioned that Ting lived a frugal life, devoted himself to education and taught his disciples without expecting repayment. His selflessness reflects the noble virtues represented by Zhang Guolao and Tieguai Li and The Eight Immortals is a tribute paid to the godly figures.

Strength Unparalleled in the World, a Hero Should Not Be Judged Based on Success or Failure

Another figure painting Farewell My Concubine (Lot 71) presents one of Ting's iconic painting themes in the 1970s. Overlord Xiang Yu and Concubine Yu have gone through adversity together. While Concubine Yu strokes Overlord's left arm with a determined expression, Overlord appears menacing and brave like Hercules. In the painting, Ting adopted an upright composition, highlighting the gigantic characters and simultaneously creating distance from its viewers. Such technique made the painting impactful by strengthening its majesty. The ink colour of this work is light, and the lines are concise, reflecting Ting's calmness while producing the artwork. With his steady and calm brushwork, the painting is created with softness that has overcome rigidity. Opting for simplicity, Ting embedded grand narratives in his meticulously straightforward brushstrokes.

Whether elegant or folk, big or small, the characters and animals are portrayed in vivid on paper. Brought to life by Ting's profound use of colour and brushstrokes, viewers are confronted with a simplistic yet powerful style that is visually stimulating. These works are pieces of puzzles created by Ting in his later years. Each work represents a different theme and when put together, they lay down an important blueprint for the oeuvre he left for future generations.

Price estimate:
HKD: 15,000 - 30,000
USD: 1,900 - 3,800

Auction Result:
HKD: 26,400