Ink and colour on paper

87 × 151 cm. 34 1/4 × 59 1/2 in.

Inscribed, signed, titled and dated in Chinese with two artist's seals on upper right; stamped with an artist's seal on bottom left
EXHIBITED
1-30 Apr 2017, Best Time of Year Falls in March: Peng Xiancheng Solo Exhibition, Tina Keng Gallery, Taipei

PROVENANCE
Tina Keng Gallery, Taipei
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Tina Keng Gallery, Taipei and signed by the artist

Radiant Grace: Subtle Beauty, Genuine and Profound
Peng Xiancheng's Magnum Opus Demoiselles in an Outing 1 Unveiled: the Fusion of Poetry and Painting

"Peng Xiancheng's portrayal of figures on horseback is a unique manifestation of his own artistic vision, displaying meticulous craftsmanship that rivals the ancients. Yet, the sense of contemporary spirit is distinct, clearly evident at a single glance."
——Chinese Art Historian Wan Qingli

Born in 1941 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Peng Xiancheng has been honoured with multiple accolades, including being recognized as a National First-class Artist and serving as a director of the Chinese Painting Society. During his childhood, he had a fortuitous encounter with Xu Beihong's painting Groups of Horses, which deeply moved him. He frequently practiced copying it and became immersed in the pursuit of art from a young age. In 1962, he graduated from Chengdu Second Normal School and has since dedicated himself tirelessly to teaching and artistic creation. At the age of forty, he embarked on research trips to Dunhuang and Xinjiang, studying ancient murals and portraiture, which further inspired him and led to the establishment of his personal style. In recent years, Peng Xiancheng has actively held solo exhibitions, and has reached the pinnacle of ink painting, garnering high acclaim. His works are collected by prestigious institutions such as the National Art Museum of China, Cornell University Art Museum in the United States, and Sichuan Provincial Museum, as well as esteemed individuals like King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Professor Jerome Silbergeld of Princeton University. In this autumn auction, one of his magnificent representative works, Demoiselles in an Outing 1, which is part of the moiselles in an Outing Series and features the second-largest number of figures, will be presented. This piece was previously showcased at the artist's solo exhibition in Taipei in 2017, titled Best Time of Year Falls in March: Peng Xiancheng Solo Exhibition, where it was specially selected as the exhibition poster, symbolizing its iconic status.

The Majestic Splendour of the Great Tang Dynasty: Flourishing Elegance

Demoiselles in an Outing 1 depicts a magnificent scene from the renowned Tang Dynasty poem Ode to Beautiful Ladies by the esteemed poet Du Fu. The painting showcases the grandeur of Lady of Guoguo and her entourage as they embark on a splendid journey. On the left side, a group of noblewomen on horseback takes the spotlight, with Lady of Guoguo, adorned in a vibrant red dress, positioned at the front. They possess voluptuous figures, adorned in splendid attire of vivid red, emerald-green, and dark purple. Confidently and gracefully, they reveal their décolletage, highlighting the unprecedented rise in social status of women during the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Their lustrous, black hair is styled in the popular "high chignon" fashion, creating a striking visual effect. They wear exquisite red flower pins, emphasizing their dignified and charismatic personalities. The four spirited horses proudly lift their heads, adorned with red tassels. With just a few masterful brushstrokes, the artist captures their robust muscles and spirited presence, showcasing his exceptional skill. Meanwhile, the women in the painting have their legs draped on both sides of the saddle, guided by a green-robed attendant. Their equestrian posture is no different from that of men, evoking the famous Tang Dynasty painting Lady of Guoguo on a Spring Outing by the renowned artist Zhang Xuan. Peng Xiancheng faithfully draws inspiration from the poem, portraying a Tang Dynasty characterized by freedom, inclusivity, and grandeur. This resonates particularly well with the social status of contemporary women, adding a touch of relatability.

Ethereal Grace: Delicate Charm, Like a Dream

In this masterpiece, Peng Xiancheng showcases a profound artistic technique honed over more than five decades, rivalling that of the ancients. By skilfully integrating contemporary dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and colour, he bestows upon the artwork a remarkably layered and dramatic radiance. The entire painting is laid out with rich and vibrant ink and colours. The backdrop is adorned with expressive and vigorous ink lines, while the lush green hues depict the reawakening of spring, imbuing the scene with a sense of vitality and capturing the viewer's attention. The interaction between different groups of characters is artfully presented through the juxtaposition of colours and contrasts of light and darkness, elucidating a harmonious hierarchy. Lady of Guoguo and her entourage are portrayed using coloured ink, vividly bringing their garments to life. The white and light ochre-toned steeds exude a gentle radiance akin to the pristine snow of spring. The accompanying attendants, depicted in bold ink strokes, face away from the viewer as they pave the way for Lady of Guoguo, almost obscured by the surrounding vegetation, emphasizing her elevated status. Walking ahead, the female musicians maintain a certain distance from the equestrian procession. They engage in lively conversation while holding the percussive and stringed instruments of drums and lutes. Their dark-coloured attire is rendered with bold and sweeping brushworks, gradually merging into the ink washes on the right side. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow enhances the resplendence and commanding presence of Lady of Guoguo. Peng Xiancheng's painting exudes an ethereal and dreamlike quality, with vibrant colours that retain an exquisite elegance. It transports viewers to a Tang Dynasty seen through the lens of contemporary imagination, captivating their senses and inspiring a sense of wonderment.

Price estimate:
HKD 200,000 – 300,000
USD 25,600 – 38,500