Sunday, 28 November, 2.30pm
 

ZHANG XIAOGANG (B. 1958)
Untitled
oil on paper mounted on cardboard
71.7 x 53 cm. (28 1/4 x 20 7/8 in.)
Painted in 1989

Estimate: HK$700,000 – 900,000
              US$89,700 – 115,400

Following Christie’s successful Spring 2010 Evening Sale of Asian Contemporary Art and Chinese 20^th Century Art in which 100% of the works sold, this season’s offerings in these categories are among the most anticipated.  Leading the Evening Sale’s selection of contemporary works is an early Mask Series from Zeng Fanzhi.  Painted in 1996, this important work comes from a private European collection of Chinese contemporary art and stands as a rare early example reflecting vividly the artist's aesthetic pursuits in the 1990s.  The uncommon three-figure arrangement of the composition, establishes a complicated spatial relationship that is not often seen in Zeng's paintings. The unusual ideograms on the background remind us of the Chinese ancient aesthetics that Zeng inherited and continually transformed in his paintings in the mid-1990s. The painting opens up more facets for us to understand the artist's aesthetic trajectory and will be among the season’s most sought-after.

Christie’s is honored to present Sanyu’s Potted Chrysanthemum In a Blue And White Jardinière as a lead highlight in the Evening sale this season.  Deep crimson was frequently employed by Sanyu throughout the 1940-1950’s, and in Potted Chrysanthemum it brings a heightened intensity and expressiveness that contrasts sharply with the reserved pastel pink of his works in the 1930's. Here the artist explores both the abstract nature of color and the essence of still life paintings, resulting in a work that displays both the cultural presence of traditional Chinese literati paintings and the clear artistic influence of Western techniques. This work stands as one of the most important works from the artist to appear on the auction market in recent memory and has the potential to set a new auction record.
 

I. Finest & Rarest Wines (Part I & II)

II. Asian Contemporary Art & Chinese 20th Century Art Evening Sale

III. Chinese 20th Century Art (Day Sale)

V. Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art

VI. Jewels: The Hong Kong Sale

VII. Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy

VIII. Fine Chinese Modern Painting

IX. Important Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art

X. For Imperial Appreciation: Fine Chinese Ceramics from the Greenwald Collection

XI. Important Watches