Lot 636
Black Magpie on Branch
PU Hsin-yu (Taiwanese, 1896 - 1963)
Ink and colour on paper, scroll
60 x 27.5 cm
Estimate
TWD 240,000-380,000
HKD 62,000-99,000
USD 8,000-12,600
CNY 55,000-86,000
Sold Price
TWD 384,000
HKD 98,210
USD 12,524
CNY 88,684
Signature
Signed Hsin-yu in Chinese With one seal of the artist
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Taipei
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Taipei
+ OVERVIEW
Pu Hsin-yu excelled in gongbi flower-and-bird paintings with a variety of techniques and styles. After residing in Taiwan, the genre was mostly depicted in expressive strokes in the same style as Bada Shanren. The composition is carefree with a branch on the left and the subject matter depicted with a central brush, thick ink and changes of strokes, in the style of Seal script of Tang. The spring willow was depicted using careful strokes to enhance fluidity and light-weighted leaves. Colours were applied in stages to allow layers to be depicted. The variegated tones of branches form a balance of character. The black bird was coloured with swift strokes for the body and feathers. Fine strokes were outlined by a fine brush. Dry ink was applied to form layers of feathers, while the artist carefully left the neck blank as white feathers. The bird is common in Taiwan and is known as ‘guest bird’, as it sings when guests arrive. Since Pu’s arrival, the bird was used as a subject matter, hinting his wish to reside temporarily in Taiwan.
Related Info
Refined Brushwork: Ink Paintings and Works of Art
Ravenel Spring Auction 2023 Taipei
Saturday, June 3, 2023, 1:00pm