Oil on canvas

39.6×29 cm. 15 5/8×11 3/8 in.

Signed in Chinese on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly by present
important private Asian collector from the artist's family in 1990s

Interwoven Light and Shadows
Important Early Work by Wang Jiyuan

Wang Jiyuan, born in 1893 in Jiangsu, China, was a pioneer of modern Chinese art, known for his mastery of ink, watercolour, and oil painting. His work blended Eastern and Western techniques, significantly contributing to the development of modern Chinese art. In 1919, his oil paintings gained prominence in Shanghai's art scene, where he co-founded the "Tian Ma Society" with Liu Haisu to promote Western painting. In the 1940s, Wang moved to New York, where he founded the Chinese-American Art Institute, continuing his influence on art education and creation. His paintings, characterized by lively brushstrokes and rich layers, explore the inner spiritual world and are exhibited in major museums worldwide.

Tribute to Tradition

Wang Jiyuan integrated Western perspective, light, and colour into traditional Chinese art. After returning from his studies in the U.S. and Japan in the early 1930s, he joined the "Storm and Stress Society," actively participating in the modern art movement. His work Dark Scent Floating in the Air from this period exemplifies his use of elegant composition and vibrant colours, combining red, green, and yellow tones to create a rich visual experience that evokes the classical poetry of Western still-life painting.

Life in Detail

Wang Jiyuan's work was deeply influenced by Post-Impressionism, especially during his tenure as Director of the Western Painting Department at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts from 1926 to 1928. In Dark Scent Floating in the Air, he uses bold, simplified strokes to depict still-life subjects, with smooth transitions between light and shadow. The contrast between the blooming flowers and the serene background creates a dynamic visual harmony. The vase is modern and elegant, with soft curves and a subtle sheen, while the flowers are depicted with vibrant colours and meticulous detail, showcasing the diversity of life.

Dark Scent Floating in the Air not only showcases Wang Jiyuan's technical skill but also reflects his profound understanding of both Eastern and Western art. By blending Eastern poetic sentiment with Western aesthetic form, he developed a unique artistic style that became a symbol of cultural exchange and integration. Wang Jiyuan's artistic achievements transcend time and space, standing as a lasting testament to the fusion of Eastern and Western art.

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

Auction Result:
HKD: -