Bronze sculpture Edition: 8/20

34×54×16 cm. 13 3/8×21 1/4×6 1/4 in.

Signed in Chinese, numbered and dated on the backside of the head
PROVENANCE
Giotto International Inc., Taipei
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist issued by Taipei Giotto International Inc.,

Divine Creation, Carving Earthly Beauty
The Boundless Vitality of Ju Ming's Nativism Series

"In his sculptural art, Ju Ming draws inspiration from reality, contemplates life, and captures the essence of nature, infusing his work with the spirit of creation. He has developed a unique sculptural style that deeply embodies Eastern cultural heritage and personal character. Ju Ming is considered a leading figure in the contemporary evolution and innovation of Chinese sculpture."
— Fan Di'an, Former Director of the National Art Museum of China

As an internationally renowned Chinese artist, Ju Ming is dedicated to "divine creation," guided by his philosophies of "art as practice" and "style from the heart." He carves the beauty of the world, drawing inspiration from animism, the love of native land, the spirit of Tai Chi, and the experiences of everyday life. His work also reflects the influences of Zen and Buddhism and the principles of the universe.

Throughout his seventy-year artistic career, Ju Ming has continually evolved. As he says, "Plant the seeds of art in the heart." Through multidimensional artistic exploration, he has cultivated these seeds, eventually nurturing the towering tree known as "Ju Ming Aesthetics."

Throughout his creative journey, the Nativism Series stands out as Ju Ming's earliest acclaimed work. Emerging in the early 1970s and evolving with diverse themes and forms until the 1990s, it has become a classic. In this series, Ju Ming focuses on capturing the intrinsic charm of simplicity. The themes revolve around rural life, farm animals, the spirit of gods and Buddhas, and zodiac symbols, showcasing a rich artistic variety. Representative works of the Nativism Series include Hen and Chicks (Lot 59), Dragon (Lot 58), and Guan Yu (Lot 60).

Profound Maternal Love

As a shepherd boy growing up in the countryside, Ju Ming has always held a sincere appreciation for nature and living beings. Completed in 1980, the wooden sculpture Hen and Chicks is a classic representative inspired by his childhood experiences, celebrating the affection and love of family.

With outstanding crafting skill and an understanding of the shape of the wood, Ju Ming carved this piece from a single block of beech wood and delineated clear spaces for the main characters: the hen above, with her soft neck bent at a 90-degree angle, gently gazing down at her hungry chicks below; two chubby chicks sit opposite to each other, heads raised and mouths open, waiting for their mother's care. What's particularly clever is that the bodies of the mother hen and her chicks occupy only the left side, while the large carved area on the right, in fact, is an extension of the mother hen's wing. This minimalist form effectively constructs a cozy nest, symbolizing the protective and nurturing space the mother hen creates for her offspring. Ju Ming skillfully weaves an endless admiration for living beings into his work, tenderly showcasing the timeless and universal essence of maternal love, which deeply resonates with the viewer.

Dragon-Soaring, Ambitious Aspirations

In addition to depicting the living beings of the real world, Ju Ming has also focused on the dragon, a symbol of imperial power in Eastern culture. Drawing from its mythological imagery, he created the distinctive bronze sculpture Dragon. The phrase "Dragon Soaring in the Sky" comes from the I Ching (Book of Changes), specifically the text of the Qian Hexagram: "(In the fifth NINE, undivided) Dragon soaring in the sky, it is time for the great to appear." Among the 384 lines in the I Ching, the fifth NINE is considered the most auspicious, symbolising supreme good fortune. In midsummer, the Dragon Star ascends to the zenith, hence the term "Dragon Soaring in the Sky," metaphorically representing the peak period of things.

Ju Ming infused this piece with auspicious symbolism, creating Dragon with the image of a dragon flying across the seas. The dragon is depicted standing on auspicious clouds, soaring through the heavens. Its head is held high, its tail upturned, and its body forms an elongated S-shape, full of tension. Detailed carvings on the dragon's head, dorsal fin, and abdomen highlight its fiery scales, vividly portraying the dragon's dynamic and majestic nature. This effectively showcases its regal and imposing aura. An outstretched dragon claw adds the finishing touch, as if it could stir the clouds and break through the sky, reaching the pinnacle of the heavens.

The Martial Saint Emerges: Loyalty and Courage Transform the World

Reflecting on Ju Ming's artistic journey, he began as an apprentice under Lee Chin-chuan, learning the basics of temple deity sculpture. This foundation led to significant work in divine and Buddha-themed creations, essential to his Nativism Series. The bronze sculpture Guan Yu, completed in 1996, beautifully captures the martial spirit of Tai Chi and Guan Yu's heroic character. The sculpture combines distinct facial features— silkworm eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and a flowing beard—vividly capturing a dignified expression. The body is carved to emphasize mass, with broad shoulders and a tall, upright stance, complemented by a high cap and Blue Dragon Crescent Blade, enhancing his powerful presence. Dynamic carving techniques depict the beard, hair, and robe with swift, precise strokes, adding movement and liveliness. Ju Ming's masterful carving brings Guan Yu's heroic spirit to life, leaving a profound and lasting impression through refined form, deep spirit, and recreated intent.

Price estimate:
HKD 80,000 – 120,000
USD 10,300 – 15,400

Auction Result:
HKD: -