QI BAISHI (1863-1957) OR LATER, PAIR OF TWO FRAMED PAINTINGS

拍品描述

QI BAISHI (1863-1957) OR LATER, PAIR OF TWO FRAMED PAINTINGS The pair comprises two framed paintings, each mounted within a dark pierced wooden frame carved with scrolling foliage and auspicious motifs. The openwork borders create a strong decorative surround, contrasting with the pale paper grounds of the paintings and giving the pair an architectural, screen-like presence. The frames are fitted with hanging mounts, suggesting their use as small decorative panels for interior display. One painting depicts a large yellow gourd suspended among freely brushed leaves and tendrils, the composition executed with bold ink washes and touches of warm colour. The other shows a pink flowering plant rising from expressive ink foliage, its rounded blossoms punctuated with dark centres and set against curling vine-like strokes. Both compositions are spare and asymmetrical, allowing the brushwork and empty space to play an important role in the visual effect. The paintings bear inscriptions and red seals, linking them visually to the literati tradition of painting, poetry and calligraphy. Their subjects, gourds, blossoms, leaves and tendrils, are closely associated with natural vitality, abundance and longevity, themes frequently explored in Chinese painting. The simplified forms, strong ink contrasts and lively handling recall the expressive vocabulary associated with Qi Baishi, while the catalogue attribution cautiously states “Qi Baishi or later”. The carved wooden frames add a further layer of meaning, with pierced fruiting vines, foliage and longevity characters surrounding the images. This combination of ink painting and ornate wooden framing gives the pair a decorative character beyond the paintings alone, presenting them as finished objects intended for display as a matched set. This pair of framed paintings offers a decorative and expressive interpretation of auspicious botanical subjects, combining bold ink-and-colour compositions with richly carved wooden surrounds. Length x Width: 30 x 22 cm

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