Zhou Chunya

signed in Chinese and Pinyin and dated 2013

European Collection 
Acquired by the present owner from the above

This work is in good condition. Minor accretions are noted especially on the upper half of the work. There are also minor horizontal abrasion marks near the top left corner. No evidence of restoration under UV examination.
"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."

Peach blossoms were appearing in Zhou Chunya's works as early as 1997. By 2004, they had become the artist's subject for an important series of paintings. Peach Blossom Forest, completed in 2013 after nearly ten years of labour, is the most mature work of the entire series. From his Landscape series to Green Dog, Red Man, and finally Peach Blossom, Zhou has combined the language and principles of Western expressionism with traditional Chinese painting, creating a style of his own, a Xieyi expressionism. Among his numerous series, Peach Blossom most vividly illustrates the artist's dynamic and compelling unifying of Western expressionism and the Eastern literati spirit. In the Eastern tradition, peach blossoms signify femininity. They suggest grace, fertility, and desire. In Zhou's eyes, then, peach blossoms are intimately related to passion and romance. "Desire is a component of humanity, an innate impulse. More importantly, our feelings and desires toward sexuality express themselves with vitality, signifying a life in flourish."