Lot 303
  • 303

Yue Minjun

Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 GBP
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Description

  • Yue Minjun
  • Untitled
  • signed and dated 2005; dated 2005 on the reverse

  • oil on canvas

  • 170 by 140cm.; 66 7/8 by 55 1/8 in.
  • .

Provenance

Private Collection, New York

Condition

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is deeper and richer in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are a few very faint canvas irregularities in the top two corners beneath the pigment layer. There is a faint horizontal stretcher mark running across the central axis of the canvas. There is a minute rub mark beneath the centre of the right extreme edge. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultra-violet light.
"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."

Catalogue Note

"Up against a society that had been taught to frown upon those who deviated from the norm, the image of a laughing face was to me an assurance that things would get better: that a future life could be as rewarding and meaningful as the Buddha promised.  But against the reality of the times, which was so entirely chaotic and strange, it was hard to hold onto that faith. I decided that my laughing faces would serve as a reminder of a better tomorrow within my circle just as the Maitreya Buddha in the temples do, and would resonate with those individuals who had learned to laugh because they understood that almost any other response was futile" (The artist cited in: Exhibition Catalogue, Shenzhen, He Xiangning Art Museum, Reproduction Icons: Yue Minjun Works, 2004-2006, 2006, pp. 16-18)