Wang Tiande

Private Chinese Collection

This work is generally in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Since the early 1980s, Wang Tiande has been a pioneer of experimental ink and wash painting by transforming the ink medium in contemporary art. Using the language of ink, Wang "paints" calligraphy by burning xuan paper with incense or cigarettes in the place of an inscription. The central image of a scholars robe is composed of gestural mountainous forms that allude to a landscape painting. As both an accomplished ink painter and calligrapher, Wang manages to maintain the feeling of ink (shuimo ganjue) that is evaluated in traditional ink paintings, but the composition and techniques are radical departures from such traditional elements. The present lot, Flame was created in 2006, coincidentally the same year in which Wang Tiande was exhibited in Brush and Ink, the first exhibition of contemporary Chinese painters held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.