1946 QI BAISHI PEACHES AND BEES PAINTING

拍品描述

Artist: Qi Baishi (1864-1957) PEACHES AND BEES This charming composition depicts two ripe peaches resting within a rustic basket, accompanied by a pair of hovering bees. The artist employs a highly economical arrangement, allowing the ample blank space surrounding the subject to enhance the freshness and immediacy of the image. The dark angular handle of the basket provides a strong structural element that contrasts with the soft, rounded forms of the fruit.The peaches are rendered with broad washes of pink and red, subtly modulated to suggest ripeness and volume. Delicate touches of green indicate leaves and stems, while the bees are executed with a few swift strokes that convey movement and vitality. The vigorous black ink used for the basket demonstrates Qi Baishis celebrated calligraphic brushwork, transforming a simple household object into a powerful compositional device.In Chinese symbolism, peaches represent longevity, health, and blessings, while bees are associated with industry, harmony, and abundance. Together, these auspicious motifs create a joyful image that conveys wishes for prosperity and long life. Such subjects occupied an important place in Qi Baishis mature oeuvre, reflecting his ability to unite traditional symbolism with direct observation of nature.The inscription records that the painting was executed when the artist was eighty-nine years old, belonging to the highly sought-after late period of his career. Works from this mature phase are admired for their extraordinary confidence, simplicity, and expressive strength. This painting exemplifies Qi Baishis remarkable ability to achieve profound artistic effect through the most economical means, demonstrating the qualities that established him as one of the greatest masters of twentieth-century Chinese painting. Ink and color on paper, Yisebiao mount, Vertical Axis Hanging Scroll Painting (Sight): 68cm H x 34cm W Dated: In The Baishi's Eighty-Three years of age (1946) Signed/Seal(s): Signed, with a seal PROVENANCE: Acquired from a prominent collector, representing an important private collections. The collections presented and offered up to auctions from Lot 25 through Lot 136; and additional related documents and or manuscripts from Lot 137 to Lot 228. Wei Tao-Ming (Wei Daoming), (October 28, 1899 - May 18, 1978) was a prominent Chinese diplomat, statesman, and senior official of the Republic of China. Born in Jiangxi Province, he studied law in the United States and became active in the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek. During the Second World War, Wei served as the Republic of China's Ambassador to the United States from 1942 to 1946, playing an important role in strengthening Sino-American relations during the Allied war effort. He later held several key government positions, including Governor of Taiwan Province (1947-1949), Ambassador to Japan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China from 1966 to 1971. Wei remained an influential figure in Chinese diplomacy throughout the mid-twentieth century and was closely involved in the Republic of China's international affairs during a period of major political transition in East Asia. ARTIST BIO: Qi Baishi (1864-1957) was one of the most celebrated Chinese painters of the twentieth century and is widely regarded as a master of modern Chinese ink painting. Born into a peasant family in Xiangtan, Hunan province, he was largely self-taught and initially worked as a carpenter before devoting himself entirely to painting, seal carving, and calligraphy.Drawing inspiration from nature and everyday life, Qi developed a highly personal artistic style characterized by bold brushwork, simplified forms, and vibrant color. He became especially renowned for his depictions of shrimp, crabs, insects, birds, flowers, vegetables, and other humble subjects, transforming ordinary objects into lively and poetic images.Qi Baishi advocated the principle that painting should balance resemblance and abstraction, famously stating that ?too much likeness becomes vulgar, while too little becomes deceptive.? His works combine the expressive spirit of literati painting with the vitality of folk art, creating an artistic language that is both sophisticated and accessible.In addition to his achievements as a painter, Qi was an accomplished calligrapher and seal carver. His seal designs and inscriptions often form an integral part of his compositions, contributing to their overall rhythm and character. During his lifetime he received widespread recognition, including honors from the Chinese government, and his works continue to command strong interest among collectors and museums worldwide.

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